The case involving the EFCC and the Kogi State government over the alleged misappropriation of N80 billion by the former governor, Yahaya Bello, demands a measured and reflective approach, rather than one filled with sensationalism.
Reports indicated that the anti-graft agency, in an amended charge, has accused the former governor of diverting N80 billion in September 2015.
Ali Bello, the ex-governor’s nephew, and Dauda Suleiman, an associate, are implicated as co-conspirators, alongside Abdulsalami Hud, a government house cashier currently not in custody.
Meanwhile, It is essential to acknowledge that during his tenure, Alh. Yahaya Bello’s administration made significant progress in areas such as education, security, healthcare, agriculture, governance reforms, rural electrification, infrastructure, employment, and youth development.
Recently, some unidentified people pasted Bello’s posters in some locations in Abuja, including the national secretariat of the APC with the inscription, “APC Next Level. Alhaji Yahaya Bello as APC National Chairman. Leading the Change, Building a Stronger APC.”
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But reacting in a statement through his media office, Bello said he did not authorise anyone to circulate any posters on his behalf as he remains a loyal party man committed to the leadership of the national chairman of APC, Ganduje.
The former Kogi State helmsman urged members of the general public to disregard the mischief makers circulating posters to create a false impression.
The EFCC must conduct its investigations impartially, free from political influence, ensuring that justice is administered fairly and transparently. Only through such integrity can the agency maintain public trust and uphold the principles of democracy.
We have seen the disastrous consequences of using unconstitutional methods to combat corruption in the past, with EFCC actions leading to political chaos and breaches of the constitution. It is the responsibility of the EFCC to uphold the rule of law, follow due process, and resist the influence of political interests or partisan agendas. We must protect the integrity of our anti-corruption institutions at all costs in order to preserve the sanctity of our democracy and the principles of justice and accountability.
These reforms should ensure their independence, professionalism, and adherence to constitutional mandates. The relentless pursuit of personal vendettas undermines the credibility of our institutions and jeopardizes our progress towards a corruption-free Nigeria.
It is high time for the EFCC to redirect its efforts towards combating corruption without bias, guided solely by the pursuit of truth and justice.It is no surprise that over 300 anti-corruption civil society organizations have questioned the professionalism and competence of the EFCC leadership and legal team in pursuing these allegations.
The rushed nature of the amended charges, combined with the lack of factual evidence, only serves to undermine the credibility of the Commission and erode public trust in its ability to conduct impartial and thorough investigations.Regardless of the allegations against him, former Governor Bello deserves to be treated with fairness and respect for his rights.
It is imperative that the EFCC conducts its investigations with the utmost professionalism and transparency, ensuring that justice is served without bias or prejudice.It appears that the EFCC has transformed into a tool readily used by individuals to wage their political battles, shamelessly exploiting its power.
Civil Society Organisations, bewildered by the agency’s actions, have described the amended charges as “extremely embarrassing.”
This hasty and politically motivated amendment to the charges highlights the lack of professionalism within the EFCC. If they attempt to excuse this as a typographical error, it further exposes their incompetence and raises doubts about the leadership and legal team of the EFCC.
It is crucial that investigations are conducted diligently and without prejudice.
The EFCC must uphold its duty to serve the Nigerian people with integrity and fairness.
READ ALSO: Kogi: Anti-Corruption CSOs warn EFCC against cankerworms of previous management
Many Nigerians fail to understand why the agency declared the former governor, who had just handed over to his successor less than 60 hours prior, as being “at large”.
This decision seems laughable and portrays the agency as unserious and influenced by external forces.The timing of these controversies is unfortunate, especially considering the recent positive news of Nigeria’s improved ranking on Transparency International’s corruption index.
The agency’s actions in Kogi State appear to be driven by a hidden agenda against an individual solely because he is the governor of the state.
The previous case in 2021, where the agency claimed to have uncovered billions of Naira in a fixed deposit account belonging to the Kogi State Government, further eroded the agency’s credibility.
The government promptly sought clarification from the bank, exposing the agency’s false claims.The majority of Nigerians perceive these actions in Kogi State as a targeted approach to undermine political opponents, rather than a genuine fight against corruption.
This narrative contradicts President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and should not be allowed to continue.It is crucial for the anti-graft agency to regain public trust and demonstrate its commitment to impartiality and fairness in its investigations.
Only when the new leadership of the EFCC effectively executes its mandate and makes substantial contributions to the battle against corruption in Nigeria can it truly fulfill its purpose.
It is imperative for the agency to steer clear of any controversies that may compromise its integrity and divert the attention of its leadership.
It must steadfastly resist succumbing to any form of pressure that does not align with the best interests of Nigeria and promptly resolve the disgraceful predicament in Kogi State.
The EFCC must refrain from being exploited as a tool for political vendettas or settling personal grievances, as the citizens of Kogi State deserve a far superior standard of governance.
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