Northern youth groups have embarked on a solidarity walk and press conference across the region to express their concerns over the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s handling of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello.
The groups, including the Northern Youth Movement for Good Governance and Democratic Values and the North Central Progressive Voice, converged in Yola and Maiduguri to protest what they perceived as unjust treatment.
The groups submitted an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to respect the independence of the judiciary and civil society, according to Daily Post.
They recounted the EFCC’s raid on Bello’s home on April 17, 2024, and expressed worry over potential violations of constitutional principles and the rule of law.
The letter highlighted a court order prohibiting the EFCC from arresting or prosecuting Bello, which was issued on February 9, 2024.
Despite this, the EFCC appealed and secured a warrant for Bello’s arrest from another court while the appeal was still pending.
The group, however, criticized this decision, emphasizing the importance of due process and respect for judicial authority.
In Maiduguri, the group addressed the press and observed a solidarity walk to the State Government House, submitting their open letter to Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum for onward delivery to President Tinubu.
The groups’ actions demonstrate their commitment to upholding democratic values and the rule of law in Nigeria insisting that primary objective was of the solidarity was was “to seek urgent intervention from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the ongoing face-off between Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the EFCC.”
