…..Says President Tinubu must ensure EFCC’s actions align with his administration’s values to avoid disrepute
By Yahaya Idris, Abuja
The persistent probe of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has sparked widespread demonstrations, with Nigerians urging an end to what they perceive as harassment and seeking the immediate replacement of the agency’s Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.
Pastor Innocent Ihiovi, a prominent Abuja-based clergyman and vocal advocate for the underprivileged, has condemned the EFCC’s persistent efforts to implicate the former Governor, notwithstanding the pending court case.
On Thursday, Pastor Ihiovi and a group of concerned Nigerian citizens convened in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, to initiate a peaceful demonstration, but regrettably, the gathering was disrupted by unidentified individuals and armed personnel allegedly affiliated with the EFCC leadership.
Ihiovi, speaking to journalists, lamented the government agency’s antagonistic approach to Nigerians, requesting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dismiss Chairman Ola Olukoyede due to his inability to effectively lead.
“While participating in a peaceful protest today, we observed unknown persons feigning alignment with our cause, followed by the display of Nigerian flags. As more joined, armed men arrived, announcing that the area was no longer secure for our peaceful gathering.”
“When those individuals started proclaiming hunger and criticizing the President’s performance for Nigerians, we acknowledged that our protest had fallen prey to lawless opportunists.”
According to Ihiovi, law enforcement officials responsible for our security instructed us to disembark, citing an inability to guarantee our safety due to a higher authority’s directive to halt the protest.
Pastor Innocent Ihiovi described Yahaya Adoza Bello, former Kogi State Governor, as a selfless individual who made considerable sacrifices for the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, prompting inquiry into why he is experiencing intimidation and harassment.
He appealed to the President to oversee the EFCC’s actions, ensuring his reputation remains intact and highlighting the Agency’s decline into disrepute.
