Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State has finally bowed to pressure by turning himself in to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), News About Nigeria reports.
Bello’s decision to honour the anti-graft agency’s invitation was made public in a statement by the Director of Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, on Wednesday.
According to Michael, the former governor honoured the invitation following due consultations with his family, legal team, and political allies.
The statement said, “The former governor, who has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process. The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello has been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing. It is important for the former governor to now honour the invitation of the EFCC to clear his name, as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.
“The former governor believes firmly in the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic development and supports the fight against corruption in the country. It is on record that he was the first Governor of Kogi State to put in place an anti-corruption mechanism to check graft and ensure that the resources of the state work for the people of the state.”
The statement further revealed that Bello was accompanied to the EFCC Headquarters by high-profile Nigerians, adding that details of his meeting with the EFCC would be disclosed soon.
“It is our hope that the Commission will be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Details of his engagement with the operatives of the Anti-Graft Agency will be disclosed later,” Michael added.
