Northern Group blasts EFCC over Yahaya Bello

LOKOJA – The Nigerian Christian Youths forum has condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC for its misconduct and unprofessional treatment meted to the former Governor of Kogi state Alhaji Yahaya Bello when he presented himself to the commission on Wednesday.

The Coordinator of the North East zone of the group, Evangelist Shedrack Bamaiyi gave the condemnation on Friday through a press statement made available to Journalists in Lokoja.

According to him, the action of the EFCC was a clear indication that it is not really fighting corrupt practices but outright war against individuals perceived to be in its bad books for political reasons.

The faith based group lamented the inability of the EFCC to attend to the former Governor when he surrendered himself at the commission’s office accompanied by the incumbent Governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.

According to the coordinator,“One cannot really understand what the EFCC wants from Yahaya Bello. He was declared wanted, he submitted himself, the EFCC refused to attend to him, he left and went back home after spending ours.”

“Moments later, armed men went to the Kogi Governor’s Lodge and started shooting sporadically. Who do they want to kill? What are they after? What exactly do they want? We need them to answer these questions,” he stressed.

He further stated that, “If Yahaya Bello was guilty, he would not have willingly presented himself at the EFCC headquarters, stressing that the ex governor has proved to the country that he upholds the rule of law and a respected political leader in the the country.”

Bamaiyi however charged the commission to stop the act of recklessness and abuse of due process, called on the EFCC to re-invite the former Governor to its office anytime it is ready to attend to him in accordance with the relevant laws of the country.

Meanwhile, the Christian Youths Forum appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to as a matter of urgency prevail on the EFCC to act civil within the purview of the law establishing it and other extant laws of the nation.

The Forum also urged the President to prevail on the commission to ensure that the chairman acts within the law and to stop harassment and intimidation of Ex. Governor Bello and other profile Political Exposed Persons.