By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja, April 24, 2024
A political group, the United Progressive Political Parties (UPPP) in Kogi, decried that the declaration of Alh Yahaya Bello “wanted” by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was an act of Impunity.
Alh. Yahaya Adoza Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, was declared wanted by EFCC after evading arrest on the allegation of over N80 billion fraud.
The Spokesperson of UPPP, Hon. Ibrahim Itodo, at a press conference on Wednesday in Lokoja, cautioned the EFCC to apply due diligence in administering the rule by following due process.
“UPPP is a like minds of registered political parties in Kogi State, and as a body, we feel bold to address political developments in areas that breeds anarchy, state unrest and where the rule of law is undermined.
“Gentle men of the press, you’re not oblivion of the shenanigans and the drama orchestrated by the EfCC in the resident of a lawful citizen of Nigeria, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alh. Yahaya Adoza Bello.
“We are amazed at the simultaneous responses on Alh Yahaya Bello by the Inspector General of Police, Minister of Justice and the Anthony General of the Federation and all other Security agencies by declaring the Governor wanted.
“This to us is tantamount to a complete disregard for the rule of law and flagrant disobedience of the Constitution that protects our Fundamental human rights in Nigeria,” he said.
Itodo said that the press conference was necessary after their thorough investigation of the dramatization of the EFCC in the residence of Alh Yahaya Bello.
According to him, it was clear an unambiguous that the abiding citizen, the Man who has meritoriously served Kogi state with all sense of commitment and honour deserves to be treated by the constituted authority in all arms of this country.
“Our press conference today should not be misconstrued as supporting corruption but to call on all those saddled with the responsibilities of law and order to be cautioned to apply due diligence in administering the rule by following due process.
“It’s quite provoking and unable to fathom why Alh Yahaya Bello be declared wanted with impunity even when he’s been protected by lawful security aides sent by the IGP, and also restricted from being arrested and intimidated by the high court in Kogi State.
“This is a complete hugwash and berates lack of Justice and fairness on the immediate past Governor of Kogi State.
“We advise that, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello’s name be removed from the wanted list because it was done with impunity and flagrant disobedient of the law,” Itodo said.
The group urged the Minister of Justice and the Anthony General of Federation, and the inspector General of Police, who are the custodians of the rule of law to do so discreetly without the abuse of human rights.
Itodo stressed that Alh Yahaya Bello had left an indelible mark in the annals of history especially in security, education, health, infrastructure and human capital development.
The group cautioned those calling for the impeachment of Gov. Ahmed Ododo to desist from creating crises because of their selfish interest, saying it was an effort in futility.
The spokesperson stressed that the governor remained a law abiding citizen of Kogi State and would not shield law breakers.
He added: “We advise President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, to caution all those saddled with the capacity to enforce the law in all ramifications to do so with diligence in line with the rule of law”.
Itodo implored the people of Kogi to remain calm as they await the outcome of process of the rule of law and the continuous protection of fundamental human rights of their former Gov. Yahaya Bello.
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