Yahaya Bello: NANS Condemns Media Trial by EFCC, Urges Respect for Rule of Law »

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has issued a strong warning to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to halt its media trial of the Immediate-past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello. This warning was issued today in Lokoja during the inaugural sitting of the senate arm of the apex student body.

Addressing newsmen after the plenary, the Senate President of NANS, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Hafiz expressed concern over what they perceive as an unfair and unjust targeting of the governor through the media.

According to Comrade Hafiz, a motion was raised during plenary for the EFCC to immediately stop the media arrangement of the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

He said “We call on the EFCC to immediately cease its media trial of Governor Yahaya Bello. While we support efforts to combat corruption and hold public officials accountable, such actions should be conducted within the bounds of due process and legal procedures.

“Just as the EFCC is backed by law to carry out it’s duties, it is also bound by law to respect the fundamental human rights of all citizens”.

The EFCC had initiated a media trial against Governor Yahaya Bello, alleging financial impropriety during his tenure as governor. However, NANS argues that such trials in the media can unfairly tarnish the reputation of individuals before any formal charges are brought forth or due process is followed.

“Nigerians deserve transparency and accountability in governance, but this must be achieved through proper legal channels and without prejudice,” he stated.

NANS emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the rights of individuals, including those in positions of authority. The student body called on the EFCC to focus on conducting thorough investigations into allegations of corruption, ensuring that all parties are afforded fair treatment and due process.

The Senate President said the students body also resolved to pass a vote of confidence on the incumbent Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo for his support to students and for also providing NANS with the enabling environment for all the students from across the thirty six states of the federation to hold the inaugural sitting in the state. They assured the governor of their continued support for his administration as he strives to better the lots of students in Kogi State.

NANS also called on President Tinubu to declare state of emergency on security issues across campus in Nigeria, as well direct the immediate reversal of the hike in electricity tariff.