Yahaya Bello’s Rival Akpoti Urges EFCC to Thoroughly Investigate Former Governor’s Case

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator for Kogi Central District, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure that the case involving the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is thoroughly investigated and brought to a satisfactory conclusion.

The EFCC has leveled accusations of fraud amounting to ₦80.2 billion against Bello, and the senator emphasized that it is crucial for the agency to safeguard its integrity by ensuring that the case is pursued to its conclusion.

To prevent the perception that their actions against Bello were motivated by a witch-hunt, Akpoti-Uduaghan urged the anti-graft commission to broaden its scope and investigate other corrupt public officials as well.

This follows a recent disclosure by the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, revealing that the former Kogi governor declined to attend an invitation due to allegations that a female senator (whose identity was withheld) had purportedly organized journalists to embarrass him whenever he visited the agency’s premises.

“I called Yahaya Bello, as a serving governor, to come to my office to clear himself. I shouldn’t have done that. But he said that because a certain senator had planted over 100 journalists in my office, he would not come.

“I told him that he would be allowed to use my private gate to give him a cover, but he said my men should come to his village to interrogate him,” Olukoyede said in a now-viral video.

Meanwhile, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed astonishment at Bello’s rationale for failing to attend the EFCC’s invitation, urging the embattled former governor to comply with the invitation in order to vindicate himself.

She also reminded Bello of the significance of adhering to Nigeria’s laws, particularly considering his former role as the chief security officer of his state.

“I was surprised to hear that Yahaya Bello evaded the invitation from the EFCC, despite having served as Kogi’s former chief security officer. As a former governor, he should understand the importance of respecting Nigeria’s laws and constitution.

“It’s a well-known fact that he who comes into equity must come with clean hands. As such, I advise him to honour the invitation and clear his name while he still has the chance.

“I’d also like to take this moment to appreciate the diligence of the EFCC in handling the case so far.

“No Nigerian is above the law, and therefore, the agency must see this case through to the end if they are to gain the trust of both Nigerians and the international community in the fight against corruption,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.