Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello, who is enmeshed in a N190  billion corruption trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Saturday, thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting the state and giving it “more money.”

“We thank Mr President for all the various things he has been doing for Kogi State; appointment-wise, infrastructure-wise, fighting insecurity, more money and the rest. Mr President, we thank you,” Mr Bello said.

At an All Progressives Congress rally held in Lokoja, the Kogi capital, on Saturday, Mr Bello sang the praises of Mr Tinubu and his protégé, Usman Ododo, the state governor.

Mr Bello, who is dubbed the “White Lion” and regarded as the governor’s political godfather, assured Mr Tinubu of victory in the 2027 presidential election.

“President Tinubu, you don’t even need to come to Kogi State to campaign in 2027. There is no opposition in Kogi State. Those who are making noise somewhere have not seen the lion. When the lion roars, they will run with their tails,” Mr Bello boasted.

Earlier in October, Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court adjourned the hearing in the alleged N110 billion fraud case instituted against Mr Bello and two others until November 12.

Mr Bello is charged alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu on a 16-count charge bordering on alleged property fraud to the tune of N110 billion.

Also, before Federal High Court Justice Emeka Nwite, Mr Bello is facing a separate 19-count charge of N80.2 billion fraud and money laundering.