London, May 21, 2024 – Some Kogi indigenes and other Nigerians in London on Monday staged a peaceful protest in the United Kingdom against partial unfair treatment of Yahaya Bello, a former Governor of Kogi State, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Yahaya Bello has been arraigned by the EFCC over alleged fraudulent practices while in office.
The protesters, under the aegis of the “Alliance For Emancipation and True Change”, called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure the (EFCC) remains impartial and free from political interference.
They raised concerns that the Commission, with the handling of the corruption allegations against the former Governor of Kogi State, had given the impression of political persecution to Nigerians and the international community.
The demonstrators stressed the importance of a fair and just prosecution process, in line with the rule of law, and condemned the alleged use of the EFCC by politicians to intimidate and harass perceived opponents.
They cautioned against the politicization of the EFCC’s activities and called for a review of its operating procedures to ensure transparency and accountability.
Dr Shaibu Ojogbane, the Publicity Secretary of the Alliance For Emancipation and True Change, and Chukwunonso Ezeani, its Director of Research & Public Affairs, said they supported the government’s anti-corruption efforts, but called for greater oversight to prevent selective justice and abuse of human rights.
“The protest against the former Governor today, apparently sponsored by the Opposition in the state, indicates desperation on their part. We are aware that at least one of the opposition candidates is currently in London.
”Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello has restated his readiness to answer questions regarding his period of leadership in Kogi state; all he asks for is that the rule of law be adhered to, as it is glaring that in this particular case, the commission is serving the interest of some powerful Nigerians beyond the eye meets.
”With this in mind, we state without any fear of contradiction that the commission must be called to order without delay.
”We trust that Mr President will act swiftly so this situation doesn’t degenerate into a massive calling out of the government on matters related to selective justice, abuse of human rights and other issues associated therein.”
They urged the president to intervene promptly to prevent further damage to the government’s reputation and ensure the EFCC operates with integrity and impartiality.
According to them, the Opposition has also continued to ride on the activities of the EFCC to malign Governor Bello by sponsoring ethnic onslaught against him even outside the country.
The protesters said they deemed it important to stage a peaceful protest on the side of justice so that Nigerians were not misled by a few people. (GBN)
