By Uche Onyeali
Former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello yesterday honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
This decision was made after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.
The former governor, who said he had great respect for the rule of law and constituted authorities, 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 Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing.
A statement signed by the director of Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, noted that it was important for the former governor to now honour the invitation of the EFCC to clear his name as he had nothing to hide and nothing to fear.
It noted that the Bello believes firmly in the efforts of the administration of President Bola 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,”
“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,” Michael said.
He added that details of his engagement with the operatives of the anti-graft agency will be disclosed later.
“Earlier today, we reported the voluntary visit of former governor of Kogi State, HE Alh. Yahaya Bello to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission office to honour the Commission’s invitation.
“In the statement, we reiterated the former Governor’s great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, and stressed that, all the while, he only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process.
“The EFCC did not, however, interrogate him as officials told him he could leave. We don’t know what this means yet. As we write, HE Alhaji Yahaya Bello has left the EFCC office. He was accompanied there by the Governor of Kogi State, HE Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
“Recall that the case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing. The former governor decided to honour the invitation to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear,” the statement concluded.
