The primary function of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in recent time has been so laughable and unimaginable towards former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, despite Bello’s voluntary appearance at the EFCC office,in company of the current governor Usman Ododo, which the commission failed,in it’s duty to interrogate the former governor , but later surround the Government Lodge of the state in Abuja, shooting sporadically into the air, attempt to forcefully arrest a man who willingly surrended himself for interrogation.
In a statement issued on September 18,2024 by the media office of the former governor, where it was clearly stated that Yahaya Bello appeared in person at the Commission’s office over the invitation extended to him by the commission. The Director of the media office of the former governor, Ohiare Michael emphatically stated that, Bello submitted himself after due consultations with family and friends, and the legal team. Though the case is before the competent court of law which he (Bello) has been duly represented by his legal team.
He honoured the invitation so as to clear his name and to let Nigerians know that he has nothing hidden whatsoever.
As part of the unwarranted behavior of the commission, Nigerians were expecting vital and meaningful information from the commission on the interrogation that would or should have been done on Yahaya Bello, but rather he was asked to go and come back in a later time after being Alleged of money laundering to the tune of#80,246,470,089.88
The commission has in it’s entirety disappoint Nigerian people who demand accountability and transparency from the commission,thereby calling on President Bola Tinubu to intervane and ensure the commission operates within the ambit of the law that establishes it .
Part of the excuse given by the commission was that, they couldn’t arrest Bello because a sitting governor followed him but they went to the official residence of the same sitting governor in Abuja shooting sporadically disregarding the law and democracy principles which is highly condemnable therefore should be held responsible if anything untoward happen to Bello.
The dramatic action of the commission on this issue raises concern on the motive behind this.
It is on that note that the Campaign for Democracy CD has rightly called for the resignation of the EFCC Chairman , Ola Olukoyede citing lack of capacity to hold the office saying the action is no longer on fighting corruption but pursuing political agenda.
CD unequivocally maintained on Thursday by its President, Comrade Infeayi Odili that the EFCC has ulterior motive on Yahaya Bello not fighting corruption. The civil society organization said it was unimaginable that someone who has been placed on wanted list , could walk into their office for interrogation ,could be told to go and come back again after waiting endlessly for hours
The scenerio was made worse when the Commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale said the ex governor was not in the Commission’s custody and remain wanted for alleged #80.2billion money laundering charges.
EFCC denial of Bello’s visit to the office despite pictorial and video evidences was nothing but a sour taste for Nigerians who Express their displeasure over the laughable development. Making matter worse, the officials of the commission suddenly woke up from the wrong side of their beds the following morning after asking him to go, went to the government house of Kogi in Abuja shooting sporadically looking for what is not . What a shame !
