Yahaya Bello vs EFCC: Northern Groups Organize Special Prayers in Maiduguri, visit Zulum Seeking Tinubu's Intervention in Saga »

Northern youth groups have refused to relent in their northwide tour to voice their concerns over what they perceive as the unjust treatment of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The groups, notably the Northern Youth Movement for Good Governance and Democratic Values and the North Central Progressive Voice, joined forces in what they termed the “Northern Nigeria Solidarity Walk and World Press Conference,” as they converged in Maiduguri Friday, organize Special Prayers at the Central Mosque Maiduguri.

The groups which earlier held a press conference in the capital of Maiduguri the Capital of Borno State, also engaged in Special Prayers at the Central Mosque Maiduguri where Prayers was offered for Protection of the former Governor of Kogi State Alhaji Yahaya Bello. The Prayers led by Imam Faruk Usman Alkali concluded with Supplications and Al-Qunut for God guidance and Protection of Bello and his family during this trying period also seeking God’s intervention for quick resolution of the matter.

The group submitted a copy of their open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Executive Governor of Borno State, His Excellency Prof Babagana Umara Zulum urging him to convey their message to Mr President. The letter was received by a Senior Aide of the Governor who took time to Commend the groups for their peaceful conduct and assured of Conveying their message to the Governor for onward delivery to President Bola Tinubu As demanded by the Groups.

The letter begins with a respectful greeting to Tinubu and outlines the organization’s dedication to upholding the independence of the judiciary and civil society. It recounts the events of April 17th, 2024, when the EFCC conducted a raid on Yahaya Bello’s home, allegedly in connection with charges of money laundering. The group expresses concern over the EFCC’s actions and potential violations of constitutional principles and the rule of law.

Drawing attention to a court order issued by the Lokoja High Court on February 9th, 2024, which prohibited the EFCC from arresting or prosecuting Yahaya Bello, the letter highlights the EFCC’s subsequent appeal and the pending motion for a stay of execution. The group criticizes the EFCC’s decision to secure a warrant for Bello’s arrest from another court while the appeal was still pending, emphasizing the importance of due process and respect for judicial authority.

Their primary objective according to them is “to seek urgent intervention from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the ongoing face off between Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the EFCC.”

The coalition commenced their activities with a World Press Conference held at the NUJ Press Center in Jos, the capital of Plateau State, a few weeks ago and have continued to move around all the Northern States, where they issued an open letter addressed to President Tinubu, outlining their grievances and urging swift action to resolve the impasse between Bello and the EFCC.

It said it is “seeking President Tinubu’s intervention to foster peaceful resolutions.”

The groups emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in addressing what they perceive as injustice and urged stakeholders to uphold democratic principles.

During the press conference, Mall Abubakar, the spokesperson for the coalition, commended Legal Practitioners and other Nationalist who have Advised the EFCC to follow due process in handling the matter.

As the coalition plans to continue their solidarity walks in other Northern states, their message reverberates across the nation, drawing attention to the need for ethical governance and the protection of individuals’ rights within the Nigerian political landscape.

The group described President Tinubu as “an excellent believer of Rule of Law, due process and peaceful cohabitation, as such he should quickly intervene in the matter to avoid further crisis between the former Governor and EFCC.”