Following the recent ruling of the interim court on Yahaya Adoza Bello alledged fraud case, there has been speculations relating to the activities of the EFCC in jurisdiction based on public opinion. The Fmr. Governor of Kogi State and chieftain of the ruling party APC has been added to EFCC watchlist and declared for an 80.2BN fraud case. In Nigeria, it’s not the first time an Ex Governor is being accused by the EFCC, various monetary controversies are seen in likes of Rochas Okorocha, Fayose etc. The Constitution however made provision for Immunity after tenureship but this is subject to the rule of law.
YAHAYA BELLO administration was known for great achievement, the youngest governor however made various stride in Kogi State that placed recognition across the country. Major sectors in Kogi felt the impact of the ruling governor In terms of infrastructure, Health Facility and Security. He was awarded best governor in Security and award of excellence recognizing him as the best performing governor in the North. YAHAYA became a champion in his own game, and his supporters increase daily confessing their support with affirmation.
His absence in the Federal high court was suspicious and the case was adjourned, but the EFCC claimed to have received order to arrest him. Oppositions has it that the State Court was talking babyrinth steps towards the jurisdiction and the EFCC in their way to bring justice forget that they are subject of constitutional provisions and however obstructed the independence judiciary. EFCC in their way to get more popularity chose their system of justice to be the Frontpage of the newspaper rather than the judiciary system. The Man Hunt for Yahaya Bello was conducted and his apartment fully surrounded by the EFCC, however he made a way out through the help of his successor and his supporters. People were beginning to doubt the transparency of the Fmr. governor and Godfatherism became a major theme.
The question remains is Yahaya Bello guilty or not? Is EFCC misleading the public on Yahaya’s case?
We have seen issues where the EFCC fully backed up with lots of evidence, went straight and made an arrest without causing social drama, or is it the case of the chairman and Yahaya Bello? The rule of law is supreme and is not subject to immunity, neither is the law emotive. One may be bound to believe that the EFCC has some hinder agenda against and since no count charge has been made, further investigation and detention of Yahaya’s security personnel should be stopped. His media team has earlier disclosed that this is an unprecedented approach made by the EFCC and fmr governor is not aware of any possible ruling made by the federal high court. This restriction hasn’t stopped as the search hunt is still ongoing and the Fmr governor placed on watchlist and security aides withdrawn. It’s left for the Federal high to determine without any further Interference the innocence of the best serving fmr governor of Kogi State.
WHY IT MATTERS? The court of public opinion might have ruled vehemently on the EFCC saga, the agency is an executive body and her integrity must be upheld.
- “The EFCC’s pursuit of Yahaya Bello matters because it demonstrates the agency’s commitment to tackling corruption at all levels, and could help to restore public trust in Nigeria’s ability to hold its leaders accountable.”
FUN FACT: The controversy seems to be an uncertain experience for both Yahaya and the EFCC as both parties have infringement case to their actions.
- False Claim: A trending photo on social media shows Yahaya Bello allegedly jumping the fence of his residence to evade arrest by EFCC operatives. However, the image was edited with another person’s head replaced with Bello’s head.
- Court Order: Despite a court order restraining the EFCC from arresting or harassing Bello, the agency staged a Gestapo-like operation at his home, which sparked controversy and criticism.
- Political Motives: Critics argue that the EFCC’s actions are politically motivated, aiming to humiliate and discredit Bello, a rising star in the political landscape, particularly within the ruling All Progressives Congress.
- Kogi State Government: The Kogi state government has maintained that all its financial records are clean and up-to-date, with no missing or stolen funds belonging to the state.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
EFCC has faced criticism for its handling of the case, including allegations of political motives and procedural errors, however Yahaya Bello is subject to the rule of law and obstruction of justice can’t be tolerated.
