A pro-transparency group, Vanguard for Credible Representation has condemned the alleged actions of the Governor of Kogi state, Usman Ododo in trying to shield his predecessor, Yahaya Bello from action of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the ongoing corruption case.
Executive Director of the group, Akinloye Oyeniyi, who addressed newsmen on Thursday in Abuja, said the group is worried about Ododo’s alleged actions in shielding Bello from investigation by EFCC.
He, however, disclosed that the group has formally written to the Nigeria’s Governors Forum, the Progressive Governors Forum and the Presidency to intervene in the matter to be resolved on the side of Nigerian people.
Oyeniyi recalled the drama that happened last week when Yayaha Bello along with Ododo arrived at the car park of the EFCC on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, with the full accompaniment of Ododo’s convoy security details.
He urged advisers of Ododo, just as the group was doing, to tell the Governor that what he has done so far is an obstruction of the EFCC in the performance of its statutory duties, with legal consequences now or in the future.
Oyeniyi specifically noted that the obstructive actions and antics of the Ododo, was seriously becoming glaring, and unbecoming of a state governor who swore to uphold the Constitution and also pledge his allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He noted that the faith of the people in the fight against corruption and the anti-corruption drive of this present administration is threatened as each day passes with the disrespect and obstructive activities of state actors.
He also called on the EFCC to dust the files of all corruption cases that ware initiated in the past as well as ensuring that the ongoing cases should be pursued and treated as priority of the administration, by giving all necessary political will and impetus to expedite process in serving justice in its course and for the progress of the nation.
He said: “We write to express deep concerns about Kogi State Governor. His Excellency Usman Ododo’s alleged actions in shielding former Governor Yahaya Bello from investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
“Specifically, Governor Ododo has been accused of whisking Bello away from arrest, housing him to avoid arrest, and accompanying him to the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 18th September, 2024 in a manner so unbecoming of an occupant of the office of a state governor and in clear breach of the operational protocols of EFCC.
“These actions undermine anti-corruption efforts of the federal government, damage public trust in government institutions, and embarrass Nigeria internationally.
“The effrontery and audacity against the Constitution of Nigeria, being displayed has never happened in the history of Nigeria and was hitherto unthought of.
“We have formally written to the Nigeria’s Governors Forum, the Progressives Governors Forum and the Presidency (see the letter attached), to weigh-in and have this matter resolved on the side of the Nigerian people.”
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