*Ex-Gov Claims He Honoured EFCC Invitation

BY GODWIN IJEDIOGOR

AFTER months of hide and seek, a former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, finally honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, September 18.

This was confirmed by the Commission, in a statement by its Head, Media and Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale, dated September 18, which, however, clarified that Bello was not in its custody and remained wanted, contrary to some media reports.

According to the statement: “Media reports today that a former governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello, is in the holding facility of the EFCC is incorrect.  The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.

 “Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.”

     A press statement earlier signed by a Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, said the decision of the former governor to honour the EFCC invitation was made after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.

    According to the statement: “The former governor, who has 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 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.” 

    Michael stated that Bello was accompanied to the EFCC headquarters by high profile Nigerians, adding: “It is our hope that the Commission will be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

     “Details of his engagement with the operatives of the anti-graft agency will be disclosed later.”

The EFCC statement indicated that the whereabouts of the former governor remained unknown, while it is curious why he was not arrested and taken into custody during the visit, considering the gravity of the allegation and the cat and mouse game the Commission had had with him in previous efforts to apprehend him in the last few months.