THE UNJUST ARREST OF COMRADE AUSTIN USMAN OKAI: A Warning to Kogi State Government and Security Agencies on 26/2/25 The people of Kogi State woke up to yet another disturbing attack on democracy and freedom of expression—the unlawful arrest and detention of Comrade Austin Usman Okai at an undisclosed location by security agents acting as political thugs. This brazen act of oppression is a continuation of the intimidation tactics perfected by former Governor Yahaya Bello (GYB) and his close ally, Chief Edward David Onoja. Now, the same undemocratic methods have been inherited by the current administration of Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo. KOGI SECURITY AGENTS: From Protectors to Political Tools The duty of security agencies is to safeguard lives and uphold justice, yet in Kogi State, they have transformed into instruments of oppression against citizens who dare to speak against government failures. These agencies, instead of focusing on real threats to peace and security, are now being used to silence critics, humiliate activists, and suppress voices calling for accountability. Comrade Austin Usman Okai’s only crime is his commitment to the truth—his willingness to expose bad governance and hold leaders accountable. But rather than responding with good governance, the state government has resorted to intimidation, an act that further confirms that they have no defense against the allegations of failure and misrule. A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT: The GYB Legacy Lives On Under the administration of Yahaya Bello, Kogi State witnessed some of the worst forms of political suppression in its history. From unlawful detentions to police brutality, anyone who dared to challenge the government was either arrested, threatened, or forced into silence. Unfortunately, Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo has decided to continue on the same path. However, let this be a clear warning: The good people of Kogi State obey the rule of law not because they are weak, but because they believe in justice. No one has a monopoly on violence. If the government continues to push its people to the wall, there may be no more room left to retreat. KOGI CANNOT BE ALLOWED TO BECOME A LAWLESS STATE The recent EFCC saga involving Yahaya Bello further proves that the security agents in Kogi State have lost their credibility. If a former governor can defy security orders, mock law enforcement, and face no consequences, then why should the people believe that the law applies equally to all? If the government continues to use security agencies as political mercenaries, then the people of Kogi State have no choice but to see these agencies as enemies of the masses. Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo must not push Kogi State into lawlessness. If the people begin to see the government as illegitimate, then there will be no respect for authority, and the state will spiral into anarchy. A FINAL WARNING TO GOVERNOR ODODO AND SECURITY AGENCIES On behalf of all comrades in Kogi State, we demand the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Austin Usman Okai. His unlawful detention is a stain on the credibility of this administration and a clear violation of human rights. Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo must decide: Does he want to be remembered as a leader who upheld democracy, or as another dictator who ruled through fear and oppression? The people of Kogi State are watching, and history will not be kind to those who suppress the will of the people. Enough is enough! Let justice prevail. Comrade Enemona