A non-governmental organisation, JAC, has accused the Kogi State governor, Usman Ododo, of protecting his predecessor and political godfather, Yahaya Bello, from justice by allegedly obstructing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, from arresting the ex-governor.
The NGO made the allegation in a statement signed by Kehinde Osifisan, its Programs Director.
The NGO called on President Bola Tinubu to warn the Kogi governor to desist from the “obstruction of the statutory functions of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in the bid by the EFCC to arrest and prosecute the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello.”
JAC stated that it was dismayed that “Governor Ododo, who has sworn to uphold the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, could brazenly, unabashedly, and persistently shield Yahaya Bello away from accounting for his activities as Governor of Kogi State for eight years.”
“It would be recalled that a valid and subsisting warrant of arrest has earlier been issued against Bello. What is expected of a decent personality, especially a former governor, is to submit to the rule of law and make himself available for interrogation and possible prosecution. However, former governor Bello continues to make himself unavailable to the EFCC, aided and abetted by Governor Ododo.
“It is very clear and unambiguous that the immunity presently enjoyed by Governor Ododo does not cover his predecessor, who is a fugitive from the law. It is on this note that we are calling on President Tinubu not to watch the disgusting and internationally embarrassing scenario involving Bello and Ododo further, as it portends serious danger for the nation.
“But for the maturity and professionalism of the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, the invasion of the EFCC headquarters by Bello and Ododo on the 19th of September, 2024, with the full retinue of the Kogi Governor’s security convoy, which included armed mobile policemen, DSS operatives, and others, would have led to casualties, bearing in mind the inter-agency rivalry among the forces.
“While commending Mr. Olukoyede of the EFCC, we urge him not to be discouraged and to ensure he brings to book not only Yahaya Bello but all other so-called’scared cows’ who have stalled the progress of the nation with unmitigated corruption.”
