Amid allegations of N80.2 billion fraud against former Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the State House of Assembly has urged the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to uphold the rule of law and operate within legal boundaries.
During Tuesday’s plenary session, the Assembly made various resolutions on the matter.
The lawmakers also insisted that the ‘WANTED’ label associated with the ex-governor be removed immediately.
Among the Assembly’s resolutions were demands for informing and involving agencies like the EFCC, IGP, Immigration, NSA, and others caught up in the situation to act appropriately.
The Assembly emphasized the importance of not allowing the EFCC to be manipulated for political motives, personal vendettas, or intimidation tactics against individuals like Alh. Yahaya Bello, portraying a negative image of figures from Kogi State or any perceived political foes through unfounded media accusations meant for public sympathy.
They strongly condemned a suggestion by a legal practitioner seeking military intervention in a case that does not pose a threat to internal security or involve treason.
Earlier in his motion titled ‘A call to end all false, frivolous, fictitious, and far from the truth smear campaign against the former Governor of Kogi State Alhaji Yahaya Bello’, Jibril Onoru-Oiza Abu, the Representative of Ajaokuta State Constituency, decried what he perceived as a witch-hunt by the anti-corruption agency against the former governor.
He pointed out, “Recent reports across various media platforms have portrayed derogatory remarks against the former Governor of Kogi State.”
Referring to the EFCC’s actions without due legal process, he expressed concern about the impact on the citizens of Kogi State and Nigerians at large, mentioning a consistent trend of persecution by the anti-graft agency against the state government, officials, and now an ex-governor.
He even brought up the unfortunate experience of the late Prince Abubakar Audu with the same agency, where baseless accusations tarnished his reputation.
While acknowledging the EFCC’s efforts in fighting corruption, he stressed the importance of conducting investigations within legal frameworks to prevent the agency from becoming a tool for political agendas.
He also highlighted the need to uphold the EFCC’s objectives under the leadership of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to combat financial crimes with adherence to due process.
He expressed concerns that these goals were being undermined by certain political entities influencing the Commission’s activities and investigations.