By NewsBits
A member of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Isah Jibrin representing Kogi East, has come under fire from Nigerians especially his Igala constituents after a viral video showed him kneeling before Governor Yahaya Bello.
In the video, Senator Jibrin popularly called Echocho was seen expressing gratitude to the governor for nominating Shaibu Abubakar-Audu, the son of the late Abubakar Audu, for a ministerial position.
Governor Bello, in the video, commended the late Abubakar Audu’s sacrifices and described the nomination as a reward for his dedication. He added that it was also in recognition of Prince Abubakar Audu’s own sacrifices, presumably pointing to Shaibu, who was not visible in the video.
In response, the senator thanked the governor, stating that he felt “over-rewarded.” Late Abubakar Audu was the first civilian governor of Kogi State, serving twice in the third and fourth republics. His unfortunate demise occurred shortly before the announcement of election results on November 22, 2015, while seeking re-election under the All Progressives Congress (APC) banner.
The video has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing dismay at the senator’s act of kneeling before the governor. Some individuals have criticized the senator for willingly assuming the position, while others pointed out the prevalence of transactional politics in Nigeria.
Echocho’s Igala constituents were very furious in their reactions as seen on some popular WhatsApp platforms, expressing disappointments for descending so low in his ”appreciation” to the governor.
Read some of the reactions below: Nick wrote…Jibrin Isah Echocho born 28th February 1960 who is 15yrs older than Alh, Yahaya Adoza Bello born 18 June 1975. kneel for him. Dr BOA… This is one of the Igalas who sold our integrity for a pot of wealth without integrity.
As an Igala man who still believe strongly in integrity, I am ashamed of myself. God forbid. Oh my God! what a shame. How do we clean this from archive of political history? Dr Tony… Am weeping here fa! Echocho on his two knees for small boy Bello? Atoooooogbo!
Dr Johnson… Doc, it is unbelievable, a former ED of Afribank who was already set to emerge Governor of Kogi State as at 2011. Echocho the household name among Igala youths for philanthropy, empowerment of Igalas especially in the banking sector and love for the motherland in the 2000s. Something is terribly wrong with our type of politics. If this is the price to pay for political office, then all the endless Igala aspirants should learn from what has become of this highly intelligent and respected Igala man. If he can knee down removing his cap for a … like Bello, imagine what he will do before Akpabio or Akume or even PBAT. Those who are close to the Senator should advice him because this disgrace is too much. Political office is not all that matters in life. He is not the first Igala Senator and he will not be the last.
Hajia M. also reacted thus: Gov. Bello continue to undermine and demean our Igala leaders on daily basis. I don’t have problem with Sen. Echocho going to express his appreciations or commendation over the nomination of his son in-law. But actions like this are meant for confidential or remorseful one does not display for mockery. Why video him and coming to public with this? This sacrilege!
Our amiable Senator was a successful man, a one-time head of a Bank in this country, a technocrat, a respected community leader is being treated this way? This is an absurd, it’s not funny! Igala leaders are being ridicule, exposed and mock on daily basis in the hand of Gov. Bello. Surely, our leaders are let down at this material point in time. This one pain!
On Twitter, a user, @BenjiePam, defended the governor’s actions, emphasizing that Senator Jibrin knelt voluntarily. Meanwhile, @Badmanseed likened the incident to political maneuvers driven by the desire for benefits.
Another user, @IOkwuijen, highlighted the senator’s potential monetary gains in his position, suggesting it may be the reason for his show of gratitude.
Amidst the varied reactions, @OBOHLAW clarified that the governor did not expect the senator to kneel, indicating that the gesture surprised both parties involved.
As the video continues to circulate and elicit responses, it reflects the complexities and controversies often associated with Nigerian politics, raising debates on the nature of power dynamics and the influence of political gestures especially coming at a time that Echocho’s constituents (Kogi East) are clamouring for the return of power to the senatorial zone in the November 11 governorship election.
