A Non-Governmental Organization, Journalists Against Corruption (JAC) have accused Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo of obstructing the statutory functions of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the bid to arrest and prosecute the immediate past Governor Yahaya Bello of the state.
Penpushing reports that this accusation was contained in a statement made available by Programmes Director of the organization, Kehinde Osifisan, and therefore, asked President Bola Tinubu to call the Governor to order.
The Journalists Against Corruption (JAC) in the statement expressed utter dismay that Governor Ododo who has sworn to uphold the constitution of the country, could brazenly, unabashedly and persistently shield Yahaya Bello, away from accounting for his activities as Governor of Kogi State for eight years.
Penpushing further reports that the orgaisation pointed out that it is recalled that a valid and subsisting warrant of arrest has earlier being issued against the embattled former Governor, adding that his successor who is the incumbent Governor has continued to shield him
‘It would be recalled that a valid and subsisting warrant of arrest has earlier being issued against Bello. What is expected of a decent personality, especially a former governor, is to submit to the rule of law and make himself available for interrogation and possible prosecution’, the statement said.
‘However, ex-governor Bello continues to make himself unavailable to the EFCC, aided and abetted by Governor Ododo. It is very clear and unambiguous that the immunity presently enjoyed by Governor Ododo, does not cover his predecessor who is a fugitive from the law’, Osifisan wrote
“It is on this note that we are calling on President Tinubu not to watch the disgusting and internationally embarrassing scenario involving Bello and Ododo further, as it portends serious danger for nation’, the statement added.
‘But for the maturity and professionalism of the EFCC, Chairman, Mr Olu Olukoyede, the invasion of the EFCC headquarters by Bello and Ododo on the 19th September, 2024 with the full retinue of the Kogi Governor’s security convey, which included armed mobile policemen, DSS operatives and others, the situation would have led to casualties, bearing in mind the interagency rivalry among the forces’
‘While commending Mr. Olukoyede of EFCC, we urge him not to be discouraged and to ensure he brings to book, not only Yahaya Bello, but all other so-called “sacred cows” who have stalled the progress of the nation with unmitigated corruption’ Osifisan added
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