Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has finally honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over issues raised against him while in office as the executive governor.
Recall that there has been a face-off between the anti-graft agency and Bello on the one hand; and agency’s and Bello’ lawyers on the other, for months. Once when EFCC’s agents moved in to arrest Bello at his Abuja Wuse Zone 4 residence, his successor, Ibrahim Ododo, suddenly arrived and provided security cover for Bello to be whisked away by the sitting state governor.
This decision for Bello to surrender himself,was made on Wednesday after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies, according to a statement.
A statement from Yahaya Bello Media Office signed by its director, Ohiare Michael, confirmed the honouring of the anti-grafty agency’s invitation.
The statement reads in part; ‘Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello today honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
“The former Governor, who has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process.
“The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing. It is important for the former Governor to now honour the invitation of the EFCC to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.
“The former Governor believes firmly in the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic development; and supports the fight against corruption in the country.
“It is on record that he was the first Governor of Kogi State to put in place an anti-corruption mechanism to check graft and ensure that the resources of the State work for the people of the State.
“He was accompanied to the EFCC Headquarters by high profile Nigerians.
“It is our hope that the Commission will be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Details of his engagement with the operatives of the Anti-Graft Agency will be disclosed later”, the statement said.
