The Media Office of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of engaging in a politically motivated attack against the ex-governor, calling on President Bola Tinubu to step in. In a press statement signed by Bello’s spokesperson, Ohiare Michael, the office described the EFCC’s actions as a “hatchet job” driven by undisclosed personal and political interests rather than a legitimate effort to fight corruption.
This follows the EFCC’s recent declaration of Yahaya Bello as “wanted,” despite his voluntary appearance at the agency’s office penultimate Wednesday. According to the media office, Bello’s visit to the EFCC should have led to his detention if there were substantial grounds for prosecution, questioning the agency’s true motives. “If the EFCC was genuinely interested in pursuing justice, why was Governor Bello allowed to leave their premises after voluntarily appearing?” the statement asked.
The former governor’s media team also condemned the EFCC’s public statements, labeling them as an embarrassment to the agency and accusing the commission of contradictory behavior. They called on President Tinubu to launch an investigation into the matter, stressing that the fight against corruption must be impartial and not target individuals for political reasons.
“The fight against corruption should not be selective, and it’s important to remember that Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians,” the statement emphasized, urging the president to ensure fairness and transparency in the ongoing case.
Bello’s media office maintains that the former governor is ready to clear his name and remains confident that the EFCC’s actions are politically motivated. As the situation unfolds, calls for President Tinubu’s intervention are growing louder, with supporters arguing that the anti-graft agency must be held accountable for its handling of the case.
