The Cobra in Yagba Land — By Kogi Titans

It is no longer surprising that many politicians feel threatened by criticism, as it often challenges their path to power, threatens their legacy, and disrupts the carefully crafted narratives they rely on to maintain public support.

When such threats are perceived, politicians often react by dismissing criticism, branding it as politically motivated persecution, or shifting blame to opposition parties, individuals, or previous administrations.

Not long ago, two individuals, a man and a woman, from Yagba Federal Constituency reportedly found themselves on the “wanted list” of their representative, who allegedly saw them as threats simply because they were outspoken on the Apapo Omo Yagba Youth Wing WhatsApp platform and bold enough to advocate for the Mopamuro Lokan campaign.

Their offence was simple: they reminded the lawmaker of promises he had failed to fulfill and demanded accountability from him as the elected steward of Yagba Federal Constituency.

This, allegedly, triggered aggressive actions against them, turning them into fugitives. Reports indicate that strong pressure was mounted on them to reveal the whereabouts of their children, with threats of legal action and imprisonment.

This raises a critical question: Is it now a crime for citizens to demand accountability from those elected to represent them?

Rather than reacting with hostility, public office holders should embrace logical and constructive criticism, especially when it stems from genuine concern and a desire for better governance and improved service delivery.

Constituents have continued to question Hon. Leke Abejide’s increasing reliance on legal and security channels to clamp down on former allies who oppose his reported 2027 ambition.

The legal battle between the Alu-born legislator and his former campaign aide, Elder Oloke Jesse Abayomi, has remained unresolved since July 2025.

Oloke’s arrest and arraignment earlier that month generated widespread public outrage, particularly among constituents in Mopamuro, many of whom view the lawmaker’s third-term ambition as a violation of the existing power rotation arrangement and a betrayal of his earlier promise to serve only two terms.

While the Alu lawmaker is still embroiled in controversy with the Coalition of Middle-Belt Indigenous Reporters, which condemned the arrest and detention of Mr. Opeyemi Owoeye, Editor of Kogi Report, the Elder Media Team, in a recent press statement, reportedly unveiled plans to initiate legal action against certain individuals from Mopamuro and Yagba East Local Government Areas.

In one of their statements, they issued a warning:

“A few critics who may want to criticize while the plaintiff litigant is paying for his misadvised venture should bear in mind that he who steps on a snake’s tail must face the consequences.”

Such rhetoric raises concerns. Has the church-acclaimed elder now assumed the image of a serpent—one whose venom everyone must fear?

Much is happening in Kogi State, where some leaders appear to adopt fearsome animal identities to project power and intimidate perceived opponents.

Kogi has had its “White Lion,” and now, by implication, the Elder Media Team appears to have “animalized” their principal into a cobra.

If the elder has nothing to hide, there should be no reason to target journalists simply for doing their job or to threaten socio-political analysts and ordinary citizens exercising their right to free expression.

Democracy suffers when journalists are intimidated, harassed, or detained for carrying out their constitutional responsibility of informing the public and holding leaders accountable.

He should understand that not every voice can be silenced, especially when the rights of the people are being trampled upon and their needs remain unmet.

Instead of delivering the dividends of democracy to his constituents, Baba Alu is accused of focusing on giveaways outside his jurisdiction while using token gestures to impress the uninformed. This raises serious questions about whether he fully understands the responsibilities of a member of the House of Representatives as a lawmaker.

Critics allege that he has increasingly used his position to intimidate innocent constituents, silence opposition voices, and manipulate legal processes. Allegations have also surfaced regarding land-grabbing in Ife-Olukotun, Yagba East, as well as claims of abuse of office in matters relating to appointments connected to the Nigeria Customs Service, actions critics describe as contrary to established civil service procedures.

These allegations continue to fuel public debate about leadership, accountability, and the future of democratic representation in Yagba Land.

Kogi Titans