Investigation has revealed that embattled former Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello has stepped on big toes at the presidency and that is one of the reasons why the anti-graft agency opened his crime file as a means to tackle the former governor.
Sources revealed that the former governor reached out to President Bola Tinubu for urgent intervention but all efforts proved abortive, as the president also interested in the case.
“Yahaya Bello has stepped on toes in the presidency, he’s plotting against the presidency. But I can reveal to you that President Tinubu is aware of everything, and Yahaya Bello must be try, no going back,” said the source.
Mr. Bello Yahaya is alleged to have misappropriated over ₦85 billion naira and has been currently declared wanted by the EFCC after several attempts to have him arrested failed including the recent incidence in Abuja where the current Governor of the State and his loyalist was accused of breaching the security cordon to whisk the accused away.
Meanwhile, A coalition of Kogi Youths under the banner of Network of Professional Kogi State Youths has called on the former Governor of Kogi State Alhaji Yahaya Bello to immediately vacate the Kogi State Government House where he’s currently hiding from the clutches of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a press release signed by Comrade Abdulquadri Shuaibu and distributed to journalists in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital on behalf of Network of Professional Kogi Youths over the weekend, the group frowned at the former Governor’s disregard for the rule of law including evasion of a lawful arrest, describing it as regrettable, disgraceful and embarrassing.
According to the release, “as a former Governor, we expected some degree of decorum and respect for the rule of law from him. The recent confrontation between the EFCC and Governor Yahaya Bello at his Abuja residence is a regrettable episode that is an embarrassment to Kogi people and Nigerians at large. We unequivocally condemn the former Governor’s conduct and insist that justice must take its course.
“As a united Coalition representing the citizens of Kogi State, we issue a 24-hour ultimatum to Governor Yahaya Bello to vacate the Government House and surrender to the EFCC or the nearest Police Station. Failure to comply, we will occupy the Government House in a mega protest to ensure Governor Bello’s accountability and safeguard the integrity of our judicial system.
On the role played by Alhaji Usman Adodo, the current Governor of the State who is also an associate of the former Governor in aiding his continuous evasion of arrest, the Coalition called on his immediate resignation, failure of which, the State House of Assembly will be compelled to commence impeachment proceedings against him.
“By choosing to shield an alleged criminal who squandered the commonwealth of Kogi people, Governor Usman Adodo’s immediate resignation is imperative. Failure to do so within 14-day period, we will compel the Speaker of the Kogi House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against him for obstructing law enforcement and undermining the administration of justice”, the statement added.
The youth group also hailed the efforts of individuals, law enforcement agencies and state institutions in ensuring that justice is done and the looted funds belonging to the good people of Kogi State are returned to facilitate the development of the state.
“We commend the EFCC for declaring Governor Yahaya Bello wanted and express solidarity with the Attorney General of the Federation’s unwavering commitment to combatting corruption. Indeed, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s steadfast dedication to this cause is commendable, and we implore him to persevere in his efforts.
“Furthermore, we applaud the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for withdrawing police protection from Governor Bello. While this is commendable, we urge the IGP to do everything within his powers to ensure that Yahaya Bello is arrested and handed over to the appropriate authorities for investigation and prosecution”, the statement concluded.
