Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is calling on President Bola Tinubu to step in and mediate in his ongoing confrontation with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The former governor’s media office, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Ohiare Michael, accused the EFCC of carrying out a politically motivated campaign against him. The statement urges President Tinubu to ensure that the fight against corruption remains fair and impartial.
Yahaya Bello, who served as Kogi’s governor from 2016 to 2024, has found himself in a tense standoff with Nigeria’s foremost anti-corruption agency. His media office claims that the recent actions of the EFCC are driven by personal and political interests rather than a legitimate pursuit of justice.
According to the statement, the EFCC’s recent moves have been more of an embarrassment to the agency itself. “If the EFCC was truly interested in prosecution, would the agency not have taken him in on that day?” the office asked, questioning why Bello was not arrested during his voluntary visit to the EFCC’s headquarters.
The former governor is asking President Tinubu to look into the matter and ensure that due process is followed. The statement emphasizes that while Yahaya Bello remains committed to the fight against corruption, the EFCC’s approach appears tainted by ulterior motives.
This controversy came to a head after the EFCC declared Yahaya Bello wanted, despite his recent visit to their office. On September 19, 2024, the ex-governor appeared at the EFCC’s premises, accompanied by the current Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, and other high-profile individuals. However, the visit did not lead to any immediate arrest or further legal action at the time, leaving many puzzled as to the next steps.
The EFCC’s decision to subsequently declare Bello wanted has only fueled the accusations of bias and political motivation. Yahaya Bello’s media office has been quick to point out the unusual nature of the situation, where a former governor voluntarily visits the EFCC but is later declared wanted.
The EFCC has had its eyes on Yahaya Bello for several months now, as the former governor faces allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement during his two terms in office. Although the specific charges have not been made public, insiders suggest that the case involves the alleged misuse of funds during his time in office and financial dealings related to the state’s infrastructure projects.
Bello, however, has consistently denied any wrongdoing, insisting that his administration was transparent and that the accusations are politically motivated. His media office has gone as far as to claim that the EFCC’s recent actions are part of a wider strategy to tarnish the former governor’s reputation ahead of possible future political ambitions.
Bello is not facing these accusations alone. Many of his political allies have rallied behind him, expressing concern over what they see as a politically charged attack by the EFCC. The former governor’s September 19 visit to the agency was not a quiet affair. He was accompanied by the current Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, as well as several other political figures, in what seemed to be a show of solidarity.
Ododo, who succeeded Bello after the 2023 gubernatorial election, has been a vocal supporter of his predecessor. He insists that the allegations against Bello are baseless and part of a plot to destabilize Kogi State. According to Ododo, Bello’s administration laid the foundation for the state’s development, and any accusations of corruption are an attempt to undermine that legacy.
Several lawmakers and politicians from Kogi State have also expressed their support for Bello. They argue that the former governor’s decision to voluntarily visit the EFCC demonstrates his willingness to cooperate with the authorities and clear his name.
Given the ongoing standoff, Yahaya Bello’s camp is now calling on President Bola Tinubu to intervene. They believe that the EFCC’s actions are not in line with President Tinubu’s promise of a fair and impartial fight against corruption.
“President Tinubu has always emphasized the need for fairness and transparency in governance, and this situation calls for his attention,” the statement from Bello’s media office read. They hope that the President will ensure that the EFCC is not used as a tool for political persecution.
Ohiare Michael, speaking on behalf of Yahaya Bello, stressed that the former governor is ready to face any legitimate charges, but only if they are pursued without bias. He reiterated that the current approach by the EFCC is deeply flawed and risks undermining the credibility of the agency.
Bello’s run-ins with the EFCC are not new. During his time as governor, he was frequently accused of financial misconduct by opposition politicians and civil society groups. His administration faced allegations ranging from the mismanagement of federal allocations to irregularities in Kogi’s infrastructure projects.
In 2021, the EFCC froze Kogi State’s bank account over allegations that N20 billion, meant for salary payments, had been diverted. However, the funds were later released, and the case did not result in any legal action against Bello’s administration at the time.
The ex-governor has long maintained that these accusations are the work of political enemies, who have sought to discredit his administration and prevent him from pursuing higher political office. Despite the controversies, Bello has remained a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, with speculation that he could seek a future role in the federal government.
The ongoing confrontation between Yahaya Bello and the EFCC has drawn mixed reactions from the public. While some view the former governor as a victim of political persecution, others believe that the EFCC is simply doing its job by investigating allegations of corruption.
Anti-corruption groups have urged the EFCC to follow through with its investigation and ensure that the truth is revealed. They argue that no politician should be above the law, and that accountability is essential for good governance in Nigeria.
