A former Governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello has honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial fraud committed during his administration.
A statement issued on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, in Lokoja by the director of Yahaya Bello’s Media Office, Ohiare Michael, said that the former governor decided to honour EFCC’s invitation after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.
Mr Michael said Bello who has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights to ensure due process.
He said, “The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing.
“It is important for the former governor to now honour the invitation of the EFCC to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.
“The former governor believes firmly in the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic development; and supports the fight against corruption in the country.
“It is on record that he was the first governor of Kogi State to put in place an anti-corruption mechanism to check graft and ensure that the resources of the State work for the people of the State,” Mr Michael said.
The director explained that Bello was accompanied to the EFCC Headquarters by high-profile Nigerians.
“It is our hope that the Commission will be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
He said that details of his engagement with the operatives of the Anti-graft agency would be disclosed later.
The former Kogi governor has been having a running battle with the EFCC in court over his invitation and an alleged financial misappropriation levelled against him by the commission.