The EFCC and Former Governor Yahaya Bello: Unpacking the Controversies and Celebrating His Legacy »

By Omale Williams

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has come under heavy scrutiny due to its actions involving former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State. One of the most contentious claims by the EFCC was the accusation that former Governor Bello diverted Kogi State funds in September 2015, months before he assumed office in January 2016. This glaring factual error has raised serious doubts about the credibility of the charges, as Yahaya Bello was not even in office at the time of the alleged diversion of funds.

Reflecting on this EFCC vs. former Governor Yahaya Bello saga, it’s worth noting that during a press conference some months ago, the Antigraft Agency Chairman explicitly mentioned that he advised Yahaya Bello to come through the back door for a one-on-one discussion. How could one expect him to be pleased when this significant target chose to enter through the front door and publicly announce his presence? This breach of expected protocol may explain the Chairman’s decision to launch a nocturnal sting operation against him—a procedure that the same commission officially banned about a year ago, on November 1, 2023. Nigerians are becoming wiser, and we await the EFCC’s next move.

Former Governor Yahaya Bello voluntarily surrendered himself to the EFCC and was present around the premises for hours before finally meeting with the Chief of Staff to the EFCC Chairman, Michael Nzekwe. The commission claimed they couldn’t arrest him due to his large entourage, which was proven false; only one vehicle entered the EFCC office that day, carrying the former governor, the current Kogi State Governor, Usman Ahmed Ododo, and the Attorney General of Kogi State, Muiz Yinus Abdullahi (SAN). Despite this, later that same night, a raid was conducted at the Kogi Government Lodge. This attack occurred while Yahaya Bello was still in the same company they claimed made him difficult to arrest in the afternoon, contradicting their own report from last year that mandated an end to night raids. The safety of the former governor and those around him is now under threat, and the rule of law was broken by attacking the residence of a sitting governor.

In light of the EFCC’s handling of this situation, it is time for the EFCC Chairman to humbly resign for incompetency. The mismanagement of this case not only reflects poorly on the commission but also undermines public trust in its ability to carry out its mandate effectively. A leadership change is necessary to restore confidence in the EFCC and ensure that it operates without political bias or error.

Despite these distractions, former Governor Yahaya Bello’s achievements in Kogi State are significant. His administration received accolades from notable organizations like the World Bank for proper management of funds and transparency. At one point, he even returned funds after the execution of projects, highlighting his commitment to fiscal responsibility.

Under his leadership, Kogi State saw a notable reduction in crime rates through effective security collaborations and community policing. In education, over 300 schools were rehabilitated, and enrollment increased by 25%. More than 400 kilometers of roads were constructed, improving infrastructure and connectivity. Healthcare services were enhanced, and over 50% of key government positions were filled by youths and women, promoting inclusivity.

These accomplishments earned Kogi State multiple national awards for infrastructure development, governance, and inclusivity, solidifying Yahaya Bello’s legacy. Despite the distractions of repeated EFCC investigations, Bello remained focused on delivering results for the people of Kogi.

In conclusion, former Governor Yahaya Bello’s legacy of development and progress in Kogi State remains intact despite the controversies surrounding the EFCC’s actions. His achievements in transparency, security, education, and inclusivity speak for themselves, and ultimately, results will always cancel assumptions. May God bless and protect our leader, former Governor Yahaya Bello, from all his arch enemies. Amen