The Media Office of Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, has issued a firm response to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission affirming his presence at their office and how he would appear.
The office accused the EFCC of desperation, characterizing their efforts as a “hatchet job” for undisclosed interests. In a statement released on Wednesday evening, signed by Director Ohiare Michael, the media office claimed that the anti-corruption agency is motivated by political factors and ulterior motives aimed at tarnishing the former governor’s reputation.
“We want Nigerians to help us ask: What exactly does the EFCC want from former Governor Yahaya Bello?” the statement implored.
The media office described the EFCC’s statement, “Yahaya Bello Must Have His Day in Court,” as “face-saving but badly scripted.”
“If the EFCC was truly interested in prosecution and not a deal by some unknown persons to humiliate the former governor and probably harm him for political reasons, would the agency not have taken him in on that day with a view to arraigning him in court on the next adjourned date?” Ohiare queried.
The statement continued, “His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, will have his day in court. No one is contesting this. But it will be in line with the rule of law, not as prescribed by the EFCC.”
Ohiare further criticized the EFCC’s tense and poorly crafted press releases, which he argued undermine the agency’s credibility.
“Even if he is striving hard to keep his shirt by satisfying some supposed benefactors, like some have insinuated, the EFCC Chairman must be reminded that we are a member of the global village,” the statement said.
The media office urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to initiate an investigation into the tensions between the EFCC and Bello, suggesting that a thorough inquiry could unveil the true motivations behind the alleged persecution.
“The chronology of events since April this year will reveal clear bias, intimidation, oppression, and total disregard for the rule of law by the Commission,” it warned.
Lastly, it reiterated that the EFCC’s actions since the initial siege on Bello’s residence were unjustifiable, noting that there had been a valid court order restraining such conduct.
It added, “The more the Commission issues controversial press statements on former Governor Yahaya Bello, the more the world is made to see the desperation to achieve an aim that is not clear yet. But the law is definitely stronger than their might.”
The Media Office concluded by stressing that the EFCC should remain an investigator, not a judge.
