Group Warns EFCC to Respect Ex-Gov Bello’s Rights
…Describes former Gov as a shining example for public officials who believe in rule of law
By Yahaya Idris, Lokoja
The Anti-Corruption Network (A-CN) has praised former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello for voluntarily submitting to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for trial.
The Anti-Corruption Network sees Bello’s recent action as a sign of his willingness to work with the authorities and clear his name, observing that this demonstrates his commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting Nigeria’s justice institutions.
In a joint statement, Comrade Umar Sadiq, Convener, and Orji Moses Okwu, Secretary, commended Bello as a shining example for other public officials.
However, the Anti-Corruption Network advised the EFCC to safeguard Bello’s rights during the trial process, urging the commission to uphold international best practices and Nigeria’s laws in handling this matter.
The statement added: “The commission must demonstrate its independence and commitment to upholding justice, rather than serving any political agenda.”
“The EFCC must guarantee Governor Bello a fair hearing, allowing access to all necessary documents and evidence. The commission is also obligated to ensure that the trial is conducted in a transparent and accountable manner, with regular updates to the public.”
“Moreover, we call upon the EFCC to ensure that Governor Bello’s rights to a fair trial are protected, as provided for in the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law, including the right to a fair and public hearing, the presumption of innocence, and freedom from arbitrary detention.”
“We reiterate our commendation of Governor Bello for his courageous action and urge the EFCC to ensure a fair and transparent trial process. We will continue to closely monitor the situation and advocate for the upholding of human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria.”
