A former Nigerian ambassador to Botswana, Isaac Onuh, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately halt the alleged “macabre dance” being employed against the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, under the pretense of fighting corruption.
Ambassador Onuh made this call while speaking with journalists in Lokoja on Friday.
Ambassador Onuh, who is also a former lawmaker, warned the anti-corruption agency to stop the unauthorized methods it has employed to allegedly harass and intimidate the former governor for exercising his inalienable right to contest the 2023 presidential election.
He expressed the belief that Bello’s presidential ambition might have led his political opponents to use the anti-graft agency to undermine him and tarnish his image, which he maintained during his two consecutive terms as governor of Kogi State.
According to him, “His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, deserves a measure of respect and decorum from government agencies, including the EFCC, having served the state diligently and meritoriously for eight years.”
Ambassador Onuh stated that the EFCC has hurt itself by making unsubstantiated and unconfirmed allegations of financial impropriety and by dubiously declaring him wanted.
He added that the EFCC continued its public allegations against the former governor, whom he claimed was recognized by international monetary agencies for prudent and frugal management of state funds.
Onuh elaborated, saying, “The EFCC has continued to embarrass him through media trials, which highlight the agency’s misuse of its powers.”
“Nigeria, as a federation, has guiding principles in its relationships with sub-national entities, whose autonomy is guaranteed by the 1999 constitution, as amended, and should be respected by all federal agencies, including the EFCC.”
“Kogi State, as a political and legal entity, is governed by laws established by its House of Assembly, which created the State Anti-Corruption Commission. This commission has consistently given former Governor Bello and his administration a clean slate over his eight years in office.”
Ambassador Onuh contended that the EFCC acted outside its lawful mandate when it declared former Governor Bello wanted.
“When Governor Ododo and former Governor Bello went to the EFCC headquarters, officials declined to receive them and instead staged a ‘commando operation’ at the Kogi State liaison office in Abuja, seemingly to embarrass them.”
He noted that Chief Olisa Agbakoba, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), recently wrote to the Deputy Senate President, calling for “Urgent Legislative Attention on Constitutional Reforms Relating to Law Enforcement Agencies and Anti-Corruption Efforts.”
Onuh stated that the alleged persecution of the former governor has continued for too long, further suggesting that the EFCC’s actions seem aimed at humiliating him without just cause.
The former ambassador to Botswana also noted, “In response to the EFCC’s actions against one of their own, 19 state governors have approached the Supreme Court to examine the constitutionality of the laws establishing the Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”
He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a democrat and advocate of the rule of law, to direct EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede to act in accordance with the nation’s laws to preserve Nigeria’s international reputation.
