The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) and the Northern Emancipation Network (NEN) have called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to respect the rule of law and halt the persecution, harassment and public embarrassment of the former governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello.
Reacting to the recent declaration of Yahaya Bello as wanted by the EFCC, the AYCF president general Yerima Shettima and the chairman of the NEN Suleiman Abba, in separate statements, said since the EFCC has already charged Bello to court, it should show restraint and allow the law to take its due course as it presumes the conclusion of investigations.
In his statement, Shettima said that going by unfolding developments, Bello no longer has anything to do with the EFCC. He said the former governor only needs to appear in court on the next adjourned date or when he is served with the court processes.
“If EFCC actually believes in injustice, and in the judiciary and in the court system, this is not the way to handle the matter. Besides, the charge sheet was from 2015, and was amended to 2016. Three weeks when Bello came into the office, you can see that something is fishing, which no one can say exactly what is happening,” Shettima said.
The AYCF said it is curious that the EFCC is presenting Yahaya Bello as someone who is running from investigation and prosecution, especially considering the lack of concrete evidence to support such claims.
On his part, Suleiman said the former governor’s fate should be determined in the courtroom, where his innocence or guilt will be determined based on the evidence presented and the arguments made by both sides.
He called on the EFCC to respect the rule of law and await the judgment from the Court of Appeal before taking any further action against Yahaya Bello.
Upholding the principles of justice and fairness is essential to maintaining the credibility of our legal system and ensuring that all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
“We urge the EFCC to exercise restraint and adhere to the legal process in dealing with the case of Yahaya Bello. It is imperative that we uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their status or position. Let us work together to ensure that justice is served and that our democracy remains strong and resilient.”
Recall that Bello’s residence was invaded and thereafter declared wanted and he has been placed on a watchlist.