The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has vowed to follow the prosecution of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to logical conclusion.
The unfolding saga surrounding Yahaya Bello underscores the imperative of holding public officials accountable for their actions. As custodians of public trust and resources, elected officials have a solemn obligation to uphold the highest standards of integrity and stewardship. Any allegations of corruption or financial impropriety must be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to ensure transparency, fairness, and the rule of law.
Olukoyede disclosed this on Tuesday during an interactive session with media executives in Abuja
The anti-graft chairman sworn that he would resign as EFCC chairman if Bello is not prosecuted.
The EFCC’s decision to seek the prosecution of Bello sends a clear message that no one is above the law, regardless of their position or influence. By pursuing accountability without fear or favor, the EFCC reaffirms its commitment to combating corruption and safeguarding the public interest. This commitment is essential for fostering public trust in government institutions and promoting good governance.
The EFCC boss said; “I called Yahaya Bello, as a serving governor, to come to my office to clear himself. I shouldn’t have done that.
“But he said because a certain senator has planted over 100 journalists in my office, he would not come.
“I told him that he would be allowed to use my private gate to give him a cover, but he said my men should come to his village to interrogate him.”
Olukoyede said the EFCC did not violate any law while trying to arrest the former governor from his residence.
“Rather, we have obeyed the law. I inherited the case and I didn’t create it. Why has he not submitted himself to the law?” he asked.
“I have arraigned two past governors who have been granted bail now — Willie Obiano and Abdulfatah Ahmed.”
The EFCC chairman promised that anyone responsible for impeding Bello’s arrest from his home in Abuja will suffer the full force of the law.
“We would have gone after him since January but we waited for the court order,” Olukoyede said.
“As early as 7 am, my men were there. Over 50 of them. They mounted surveillance.
“We met over 30 armed policemen there. We would have exchanged fire and there would have been casualties.
“My men were about to move in when the governor of Kogi drove in and they later changed the narrative.”
He vowed that all those who have dipped their hands into the nation’s coffers would be investigated and prosecuted.
“If I can do Obiano, Abdulfatah Ahmed and Chief Olu Agunloye, my kinsman, why not Yahaya Bello?” Olukoyede concluded
The case against Bello highlights the critical role of independent institutions, such as the EFCC, in safeguarding democracy and the rule of law. As a cornerstone of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, the EFCC plays a vital role in investigating and prosecuting cases of corruption and financial crime. Its independence and impartiality are paramount to its effectiveness and credibility.
In the pursuit of justice, it is essential to adhere to due process and the rule of law. While allegations of corruption must be vigorously pursued, all individuals are entitled to a fair and transparent legal process. This includes the right to a fair trial, legal representation, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
