LOKOJA – The recent confrontation between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Alhaji Yahaya Bello, former Governor of Kogi State, has been described as a national embarrassment that has diminished the country in the comity of nations in the fight against financial and economic crimes.
The PDP youth leader in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi state, Honourable Eseyin Oluwakayode Emmanuel, made the remark in a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja on Friday.
The PDP youth leader said the ugly episode that played out right in the premises of the EFCC headquarters has cast a negative light on the credibility of the nation’s anti-corruption efforts.
He said the incident reflected the poor leadership and operational a absurdity of the EFCC, adding that the commission has a task to restore public confidence in the exercise of her duties.
“The former Governor Alhaji Bello’s voluntary appearance at the EFCC headquarters is a clear indication of his commitment to transparency and willingness to cooperate with due process.
“However, the unprofessional and poorly handled approach by the EFCC Chairman has turned what should have been a routine inquiry into a public spectacle, undermining both the reputation of the Commission and the principles of justice it is supposed to uphold.
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According to him, the immediate resignation of the EFCC Chairman should be only condition to appease the traumatic Nigerians for his inability to handle issue within the confines of his mandate which has rubbished the image not only of the commission but of the nation.
“We demand an assurance of safety for Alhaji Yahaya Bello from the authorities that no harm should happen to him as a consequence of his willingness to clear his name. It is crucial that the EFCC adheres strictly to legal protocols without resorting to intimidation.
“The EFCC Chairman must issue an unreserved public apology to Alhaji Yahaya Bello and Alhaji Usman Ododo for the unwarranted provocation and the reckless actions that led to the incident at the Kogi State Liaison Office. Such conduct is unacceptable and unbecoming of a federal institution.
“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene decisively by relieving the EFCC Chairman of his duties. This will serve as a clear signal that this administration does not condone misconduct or mediocrity in the handling of sensitive national assignment.
He commended the maturity and composure exhibited by Alhaji Usman Ododo, Governor of Kogi State, throughout the unfortunate episode.
He assured that the youths in the state would continue to remain steadfast in pursuing the enthronement of justice, peace fairness In the national lives of Nigeria.
