Kogi Central Senate: Gov Bello's Protege, Oseni Not Screened by APC ?

Yakubu Oseni, the Senate Aspirant running with the anointing oil of Gov Yahaya Bello for Kogi Central Senatorial District in the forthcoming election, has been reportedly denied clearance by the Screening Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Oseni who is the Chairman of the Kogi State Board of Internal Revenue was said to be one of the aspirants directed by the screening committee to get clearance from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), being an assurance that the party's hopefuls are not under the radar of the Anti-graft Agency. 

The development which may have been deliberately kept from the public's eye, has put the aspirants on the run for their heads before the primaries, Ebira Reporters reliably gathered. 

Recall that a Civil Society Group, Integrity Watchdog in a petition submitted to the EFCC, as reported by www.integritywatchdog.com, called for the investigation of a three billion naira tax diversion into private bank accounts.

The group also alleged that shortly after the 3 billion naira was diverted, the chairman of Kogi State board of Internal Revenue acquired a multi-billion naira property located at No. 1, Magaji Muazu Crescent off Patrick Yakowa Road, Asokoro, Abuja.

In a swift response, the IGR Boss described the report as being politically masterminded to malign his aspiration, stating that revenue generation and utilization in Kogi State improved under the Yahaya Bello led New Direction government. 

He was however silent on the reported property he acquired while serving as the Chairman of the Board. 

In a related development, the Member representing Okene/Ogori constituency at the Green Chamber, Tijani Damisa was also denied screening for reasons based on his membership of the political party. 

Damisa is seeking a third term at the Green Chamber, having recently defected from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He was said to have been assured of an automatic ticket, a reward for his loyalty to the State Governor.