CSO Demand Apology from EFCC over False Allegations Against Yahaya Bello
Civil society organizations have united in condemnation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over what they term as outrageous and baseless allegations leveled against former Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
The uproar follows EFCC’s accusation of Governor Bello for allegedly diverting 80 billion Naira while in office in September 2015, a time when Alhaji Yahaya Bello had not yet assumed the governorship. Alhaji Bello was officially sworn in as Governor of Kogi State on January 27, 2016. This discrepancy in dates has raised concerns about the credibility and motives behind the EFCC’s actions.
In a press conference held in Abuja, Social Crusader Bar. Taofiq Shegun Bamisile, along with a coalition of 15 other civil society organizations, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene and restore the integrity of the EFCC. They urged the President to suspend the EFCC Boss and institute sanctions against the commission for what they perceive as a politically motivated attack on Governor Bello.
Mr. Raymond Osakwe, Director-General of the Crusade for Complete Corruption Eradication in Nigeria (CCFCE), a renowned civil society organization dedicated to fighting corruption, also condemned the EFCC’s actions. He expressed disappointment at the EFCC’s partisan approach and described the accusations against Governor Bello as baseless and politically motivated. Osakwe emphasized that Nigerians have lost confidence in the EFCC due to its recent actions and called for the withdrawal of charges against Governor Bello, along with a formal apology from the commission.
The collective outcry from civil society organizations underscores the need for accountability and fairness in the fight against corruption. It sends a clear message to the EFCC and government authorities that the public demands transparency and adherence to due process in all investigations and legal proceedings.
