By Milcah Tanimu
The Kogi State House of Assembly has demanded that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) retract the ‘wanted’ designation on the name and image of the immediate past Governor of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
This resolution was reached during the House plenary on Tuesday, following a matter of urgent public concern brought to the floor by Hon. Jibrin Abu, representing Ajaokuta State Constituency.
In their resolutions, the lawmakers expressed their displeasure, stating, “The EFCC, IGP, Immigration, NSA, and other agencies involved in this matter should be informed and take appropriate action. The Commission should refrain from becoming a tool of political vendetta, blackmail, or intimidation against individuals through personal grudges, persecution, or character defamation against personalities from Kogi State, particularly Alh. Yahaya Bello, or any perceived political adversaries hiding behind executive powers to propagate allegations through media for public consumption and sympathy.
“The House unequivocally denounces a statement by a legal practitioner suggesting the involvement of the military in a case that does not pose a threat to internal security or treasonable felony.”
In his motion titled, “A call to end all false, frivolous, fictitious, and far-from-truth smear campaigns against the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello,” Hon. Abu lamented the alleged witch-hunting of the former Governor by the anti-graft agency.
He cited recent media reports featuring derogatory remarks against the former Governor, triggered by actions of the EFCC without due legal process.
“The repercussions of this have deeply impacted the perceptions of Kogi citizens and Nigerians at large. Kogi State has been subjected to unwarranted persecution by the EFCC, persistently attempting to pin corruption allegations on the State Government and officials,” he stated.
He further referenced the case of late Prince Abubakar Audu, highlighting a pattern of defamation by the same agency.
In his submissions, Hon. Oluwaseyi Bello, representing Kabba-Bunu State Constituency, criticized the EFCC for allegedly flouting a standing court order in the state.
Former Deputy Speaker of the house, Rt. Hon. Enema Paul, called for adherence to the rule of law, questioning the haste of the EFCC and its resort to media trials.
In his ruling, the Speaker of the house, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, urged the EFCC to operate within the confines of the law, emphasizing the importance of respecting legal processes and avoiding arbitrary actions.