Kogi State Government Accuses Forces Around Tinubu of Manipulating EFCC Against Former Governor Yahaya Bello

The Kogi State Government has raised serious allegations against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing the agency of targeting former Governor Yahaya Adoiza Bello under the influence of political forces aligned with Bola Tinubu, the former Lagos State governor and influential political figure.

The accusation came through a statement issued by Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communication in Kogi State, on Friday, March 15. Fanwo condemned what he described as the persecution of Yahaya Bello, who served as the immediate past governor of the state, and called for a thorough investigation into the matter.

The statement was prompted by ongoing legal proceedings against Yahaya Bello, his nephew Ali Bello, and two others, who are facing charges related to an alleged N84 billion fraud. Fanwo vehemently denied any mismanagement of funds during Bello’s tenure, asserting that the state’s accounts remain intact.

According to Fanwo, the EFCC’s actions are driven by political motives orchestrated by individuals with vested interests in tarnishing Bello’s image and undermining the integrity of Kogi State. He urged the EFCC to refrain from implicating the state in its pursuit of what he deemed a politically motivated agenda.

Furthermore, Fanwo called upon President Bola Tinubu to intervene and initiate a special investigation into the situation in Kogi State, expressing confidence that Tinubu would not condone such unjust persecution.

The statement emphasized the Kogi State Government’s commitment to supporting anti-corruption efforts at the federal level, provided they are conducted with transparency, adherence to the rule of law, and without political bias. Fanwo reiterated the government’s dedication to upholding accountability and integrity in governance, vowing to defend the state’s reputation against any unfounded allegations.

In conclusion, Fanwo urged those with personal grievances against Yahaya Bello to address them without dragging Kogi State’s name into disrepute. He reassured the people of Kogi that the government would spare no effort in safeguarding the state’s integrity and maintaining its positive standing with international partners.