By Ibironke Ariyo
A Socio-cultural group, the Egbira Voice of Nigeria (EVON), has expressed deep concern over recent actions taken by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello.
Addressing newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja, the Convener, Dr Kenneth Enebe claimed that the EFCC’s actions were meant to humiliate Bello.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the anti-graft agency had filed a 19-count money laundering charge against Bello before Justice Emeka Nwite of Federal High Court, Abuja.
NAN reports that the Kogi House of Assembly on Monday Sept. 23 reacted to the allegation of Fraud against the Former Kogi Governor, and declared that no money belonging to the state was missing to that effect.
The Convener, however, decried the reported attack on the Kogi Governor’s Lodge in Abuia, urging the nation’s anti-corruption agency to always observe the rule of law.
He requested the EFCC chairman to ensure President Bola Tinubu’s rule of Law initiative achieves its intended impact.
“We are constrained to bring to the attention of Your Excellency that the whole dust raised by the infamous EFCC/Former Kogi Governor ,Yahaya Bello saga has its roots in the ethnic complexities.
“This also includes the political servant-master relationship that bedeviled our dear Kogi State since its creation in 1991.
“Our worry is the way a supposed important organ of the Federal Government of Nigeria like the EFCC got enmeshed in the whole conundrum that is capable of tarnishing the image of the good work of the present administration, led by your humble self.
“When the former governor was yet to be officially invited by the anti-graft agency, some notable Igala sons and daughters, led by a former Deputy Governor of the state, Simon Achuba, and one Austin Okhai had, at various times, staged protests to the EFCC office in Abuja,” he said.
Enebe, however, questioned the EFCC’s motives, citing inconsistencies in their treatment of Bello compared to other politicians.
He expressed concerns for Bello’s safety and urged President Tinubu to ensure the EFCC operated professionally and without bias.
He said that the EFCC’s chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had reportedly denied Bello’s voluntary appearance at the commission’s office, citing a violation of invitation protocol.
“If the Yahaya Bello they declared wanted over alleged refusal to honour their invitation, walked into the EFCC office voluntarily, why would they turn him back?
“Then, only to return at night to embarrass the governor of Kogi State in the Governor’s Lodge by attempting to arrest someone who was in their office earlier?
“Is it by dragging Yahaya Bello on the ground like a bandit or terrorist that the EFCC would be seen to be effective?
“We appeal to you to wade into the matter to ensure that the right things are done. we wish to appeal to Your Excellency to please stop this proxy war being waged against Yahaya Bello and by extension, the Ebira people through the EFCC.
“Sir, if these actions of the EFCC are not checked, we might be left with no other options than to put the international communities, Civil Society Organisations in and outside Nigeria on notice about the unprofessional conducts of the EFCC,”he said.
Enebe highlighted Bello’s achievements during his tenure, including infrastructure development, women and youth empowerment, and reconciliation efforts between ethnic groups in Kogi State.
He said that Bello’s achievements were numerous and impactful adding that he made history by appointing Edward Onoja, from the Igala ethnic group, as his Chief of Staff, breaking the tradition of choosing someone from his own ethnic group.
“Others are rebuilding of Igala Unity House which was abandoned for over 50 years, constructions and rehabilitations of rural and township roads in Igala land, built and equipped Teaching Hospital of Prince Abubakar Audu University in Igala land.
“Establishment of two additional state universities in Kogi central and Kogi west and other Economic and Social Progress and Oil Production among others.
“We will like to bring to your attention, your Excellency, that the former governor has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to upholding the rule of law and would never evade its provisions.
“The whole gamut of these orchestrated ethnic prejudice, historical perspective of his coming to power that demystified the age-long belief that the seat of power of Kogi State was the exclusive reserve of one ethnic group.
“Also, the modus operandi of the EFCC are making discerning minds believe that Yahaya Bello’s life is not safe in the hands of the EFCC.
“Contrary to the false narratives being put out in the media about the performance of the former governor, we make bold to say Sir, that he had unequalled and exemplary achievements, all geared towards healing the wounds and uniting the people of the state,”he said.
NAN reports that other co conveners at the press conference includes, Dr Nasir Onujabe, Alhaji Ibrahim Anas, Abdul Kokori, Malam Usman Jamdalla and Alhaji Nuhu Shaibu among others.
