By Stephen Adeleye
Abuja, Sept. 26, 2024.
“Your Excellency, one Jubrin Okutepa, SAN, an Igala man by tribe and a staunch member of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP), a party raised by the Igala ethnic group to contest the last gubernatorial election in Kogi State, had, during several television appearances, made disparaging comments on the person of Yahaya Bello as regards the need for the EFCC to nail him,” he said.
A sociocultural group, the Egbira Voice of Nigeria (EVON), has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) alleged persecution of former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State.
In a press conference in Abuja, the Convener, Dr. Kenneth Enebe, claimed that the EFCC’s actions were motivated by ethnic prejudice and a desire to humiliate Bello.
Recall that the anti-graft agency had filed a 19-count money laundering charge against Bello before Justice Emeka Nwite of Federal High Court, Abuja.
The Kogi House of Assembly on Monday, Sept. 23 reacted to the allegation of fraud against the former Kogi governor and declared that no money belonging to the state was missing to that effect.
The Convener, however, decried the reported attack on the Governor’s Lodge in Abuia, urging the nation’s anti-corruption agency to always observe the rule of law.
He requested the EFCC chairman to ensure President Tinubu’s rule of law initiative achieves its intended impact.
According to him, we are constrained to bring to the attention of Your Excellency that the whole dust raised by the infamous EFCC/Former Kogi Governor ,Yahaya Bello saga has its roots in the ethnic complexities.
“This also includes the political servant-master relationship that bedevilled our dear Kogi State since its creation in 1991.
“Our worry is the way a supposed important organ of the Federal Government of Nigeria like the EFCC got enmeshed in the whole conundrum that is capable of tarnishing the image of the good work of the present administration, led by your humble self.
“When the former governor was yet to be officially invited by the anti-graft agency, some notable Igala sons and daughters, led by a former Deputy Governor of the state, Simon Achuba, and one Austin Okhai had, at various times, staged protests to the EFCC office in Abuja.
“They urged the anti-graft agency to probe the former governor who in their imagination is an enemy of their race.
“Your Excellency, one Jubrin Okutepa, SAN, an Igala man by tribe and a staunch member of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP), a party raised by the Igala ethnic group to contest the last gubernatorial election in Kogi State, had, during several television appearances, made disparaging comments on the person of Yahaya Bello as regards the need for the EFCC to nail him,” he said.
Enebe, however, questioned the EFCC’s motives, citing inconsistencies in their treatment of Bello compared to other politicians.
He expressed concerns for Bello’s safety and urged President Tinubu to ensure the EFCC operated professionally and without bias.
He said that the EFCC’s chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had reportedly denied Bello’s voluntary appearance at the commission’s office, citing a violation of invitation protocol.
He, however, added that the same commission received former Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State accompanied by dignitaries.
“Your Excellency, this unprofessional handling of former Kogi Governor, Bello by the EFCC is pushing us to nurse the fear that the life of the former Governor will not be safe having him in EFCC custody.
“If the Yahaya Bello they declared wanted over an alleged refusal to honour their invitation now walked into the EFCC office voluntarily, why would they turn him back?
“Then, only to return at night to embarrass the governor of Kogi State in the Governor’s Lodge by attempting to arrest someone who was in their office earlier?
“Is it by dragging Yahaya Bello on the ground like a bandit or terrorist that the EFCC would be seen to be effective?
“We appeal to you to wade into the matter to ensure that the right things are done. we wish to appeal to Your Excellency to please stop this proxy war being waged against Yahaya Bello and, by extension, the Ebira people through the EFCC.
“Sir, if these actions of the EFCC are not checked, we might be left with no other options than to put the international communities, Civil Society Organisations in and outside Nigeria on notice about the unprofessional conducts of the EFCC,”he said.
Enebe highlighted Bello’s achievements during his tenure, including infrastructure development, women and youth empowerment, and reconciliation efforts between ethnic groups in Kogi State.
He said that Yahaya Bello’s achievements were numerous and impactful adding that he made history by appointing Edward Onoja, from the Igala ethnic group, as his Chief of Staff, breaking the tradition of choosing someone from his own ethnic group.
“Others are rebuilding of Igala Unity House which was abandoned for over 50 years, constructions and rehabilitations of rural and township roads in Igala land, built and equipped Teaching Hospital of Prince Abubakar Audu University in Igala land.
“Establishment of two additional state universities in Kogi central and Kogi west and other Economic and Social Progress and Oil Production among others.
“We will like to bring to your attention, your Excellency, that the former governor, Yahaya Bello, has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to upholding the rule of law and would never evade its provisions.
“The whole gamut of these orchestrated ethnic prejudice, historical perspective of his coming to power that demystified the age-long belief that the seat of power of Kogi State was the exclusive reserve of one ethnic group.
“Also, the modus operandi of the EFCC are making discerning minds believe that Yahaya Bello’s life is not safe in the hands of the EFCC.
“Contrary to the false narratives being put out in the media about the performance of Former Governor Yahaya Bello, we make bold to say Sir, that he had unequalled and exemplary achievements, all geared towards healing the wounds and uniting the people of the state,”he said.
Other co conveners at the press conference include Dr. Nasir Onujabe, Alh. Ibrahim Anas, Hon. Abdul Kokori, Mal. Usman Jamdalla and Alh. Nuhu Shaibu, among others.
End.