Amidst the ongoing battle between the Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello and the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), the Commission have been urged to follow due processes in carrying out her investigations rather than harassing a public figure.
A Group from the Western Senatorial District of Kogi State known as Okun Youths, made the call during a Press Briefing Tagged: “Okun Youth Stands With Former Governor Yahaya Bello our State Leader and also Passes a Vote of Confidence on the Leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo” at the Secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Lokoja, Kogi State Capital.
READ Confusion As EFCC Drags Ex. Gov. Bello To Court Over Money Laundering Charges Committed In 2015
Addressing Journalists, a Co-Convener of the Group, Barrister Emmanuel Ayo, said it was important for the EFCC to allow the rule law take her course by following due processes at addressing the allegations against the former Governor of Kogi State.
He noted that acting against Court Order restraining the Commission from arresting and prosecuting Bello was a total disobedience to the laws of the Country, pointing out that the Commission should have waited until the Court says otherwise before attempting to arrest him if he refuses to honor formal invitation.
“On the lingering issue between the Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Adoza Bello and the EFCC, we want to state categorically that Okun people are with the Leader of the State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for obvious reasons
“He has neither being tried nor found guilty of the offenses levelled against him so we want the EFCC to have a departure from the current Media Trials they have embarked upon and focus on doing their jobs as professionals by abiding by the ethics and value of the job
“Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello is a mare Nigerian that of course, must answer to the call of EFCC when the need arises but HE HAS TO BE CALLED RIGHTLY
“He is not a Criminal until the Court say so. You cannot just call him anyhow and expect him to respond. We have no reason as Okun people to join others to condemn a man that has in various ways proven his worth, No!
“EFCC are jumping blocks and they know that. They are acting unprofessionally on this matter. However the Court will rule soon on this issue so until then, the EFCC Personnel should desist from embarrassing the Commission and the Country and follow due process”, Barrister Ayo stressed.
The Convener of the Group, Hon. Ola Adekunle Emmanuel (PURE), said the Press Briefing by the Group was to send a message to the EFCC to obey the rule of Law while discharging her duties on the allegations against Former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello of Kogi State.
He said disobeying Court Order through her attempt to arrest Yahaya Bello was an act against the Laws of the Country, pointing out that the Former Governor of Kogi State remain innocent of the charges until the Court says otherwise even as the Group dared the EFCC to make Public, Official Invitation sent to the Former Governor that he did not honor as claimed by the Commission.
Others in their Remarks stressed the need for Nigerians to be objective rather than engaging in unnecessary Media criticism, stating that it was important for the Commission to have respect for the rule of law and also follow due process in her activities.
The Group also passed a vote of confidence on the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for living up to expectations in his few days in Office.
They said the people of Okun land has no regret giving him their votes during the last Governorship election in the Confluence State, noting that the Governor has proven that his mandate was divine through his performance so far.
While enjoying him to continue in his good works of prompt payment of Salary to State, Local Government Workers and Pensioners, they also called for more funding for the Tertiary Institutions in Okun Land for optimal performance.
