The House of Representatives candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Dekina/Bassa federal constituency in the last general elections, Comrade Usman Okai Austin, has urged President Bola Tinubu to disregard a letter signed by Hajia Halima Alfa and others, accusing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of mishandling the prosecution of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
In a letter dated September 26, addressed to President Tinubu, a group of traditional rulers and political figures expressed concern over the EFCC’s handling of Bello’s case, describing it as a “national embarrassment.”
The monarchs claimed the prosecution was “worrisome” and could tarnish the Tinubu administration if not addressed.
However, Okai, in a statement issued on Saturday, accused the Kogi State government of manipulating the signatories, stating that some individuals listed in the letter were unaware of their inclusion.
He alleged that Halima’s motivations were purely political, driven by a desire to secure a senate ticket.
“The EFCC is a federal agency, and any accusations against it prosecuting Bello equate to accusing the federal government,” Okai remarked.
He noted that Kogi residents were well aware of the former governor’s “reckless” tenure.
Okai also raised concerns about the EFCC’s delayed prosecution of Bello, questioning how the agency swiftly arrested Governor Ishaku Darius of Taraba State, yet has not made significant progress in Bello’s case, which began under former EFCC Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa.
He further urged the EFCC to resist political pressure and blackmail, asserting that Bello’s prosecution is a test of the commission’s integrity and commitment to justice. He criticized Bello for previously dismissing the EFCC as an “illegal body” and now fearing prosecution.
“This is a moment of reckoning for Yahaya Bello,” Okai stated.
“He ruled Kogi with an iron fist, and now the people demand justice. If the President intervenes, it will undermine the fight against corruption.”