By Isaac Aregbesola
THE ECONOMIC and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the immediate past governor of Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday put out confusing stories in the protracted battle between the anti-graft agency and the former governor.
While Bello, through his media office, alleged that he submitted himself Wednesday morning in honour of EFCC’s invitation over alleged financial fraud, the EFCC said the former governor never reported to its office.
A statement by the Director, Media Office, of Yahaya Bello, Mr Ohiare Michael, said that officials of the anti-graft agency did not interrogate the former governor during his visit.
“The EFCC did not interrogate him. He was told that he could leave by officials of the commission. We don’t know what this means yet.
“He was accompanied to the commission’s office by Gov. Usman Ododo,” Ohiare said.
But in its reaction in a statement signed by EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Wednesday in Abuja, the commission said the former governor never reported to its office.
“Media reports today that Mr Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect.
“The commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody. Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria NAN) had earlier reported that Ohiare had said that Bello made the decision to honour the EFCC invitation after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.
He had also said that the former governor, who had great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process.
The director said that the case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing.
“It is important for the former governor to now honour the invitation of the EFCC to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.
“The former governor believes firmly in the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic development; and supports the fight against corruption in the country.
“It is on record that he was the first Governor of Kogi State to put in place an anti-corruption mechanism to check graft and ensure that the resources of the State work for the people of the State.”
The director had said that Bello was accompanied to the EFCC Headquarters by high profile Nigerians.
He had expressed the hope that the Commission would be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. (NAN)
