Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, not to allow itself to be used in persecuting the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
Calls for Bello’s trial have intensified since he left office, with the state government coming out to say that no money belonging to the state is missing.
Reacting to the development, the Igbo group wondered why Bello was being dragged into a financial probe of transactions that occurred in 2015, well before the former governor assumed office.
In a statement made available to journalists, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said the EFCC should stop turning itself into a tool for political witch-hunt.
He noted that the commission had formed the habit of harassing governors once they leave office but nothing comes out of such exercise.
According to him, “it has become a tradition that once a governor leaves office, the EFCC will unleash its operatives on the person; this will be followed with all manner of media trials after which nothing comes out of it.
"In the case of ex-governor Yahaya Bello, we are very much aware that he took over power in January 2016; it then beats imagination that he is being dragged into a probe of financial dealings in 2015. This is curious to say the least.
"This is one of such instances where the EFCC ends up making drama and vilifying innocent personalities.
“We have witnessed several such scenarios in the past, but at the end of the day, no conviction. This is primarily because the commission does not do any proper investigation before carrying out arrests and media trials.
“The immediate past governor of Kogi State should not for any reason be served such a treatment. The commission should not allow itself to be dragged into the APC politics.
“We also wish to advise the commission to stop the media trial of not just ex-governor Bello but any other person. Cases are won in courts and not on pages of newspapers and online platforms.
"We once more commend the ex-governor for his giant strides in Kogi State. He did not disappoint the youths; we will continue to support him in and out of office.
"We laud him for handing over a peaceful Kogi State and for ensuring that all residents are doing their business under a secure environment."
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