FORMER Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello has finally agreed to appear before officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The embattled ex-governor who announced his surrender in a statement issued through his media aide on Wednesday, said the decision was made after consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.
Recall that in April, the EFCC had declared Yahaya Bello wanted after he reportedly shunned a series of invitations and resisted arrest.
Officials of the anti-graft agency had stormed Bello’s residence in Abuja to arrest him.
After hours of being unable to secure their mission, the security operatives were reinforced with backup support from the Police and Department of State Services (DSS).
They were planning to forcefully arrest Bello when Governor Usman Ododo arrived at the scene.
Ododo, who drove into Bello’s compound, departed after a while.
However, as he was leaving, reports filtered in that Bello was in his vehicle, forcing security operatives who had been on standby for hours to open fire.
READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW:
YAHAYA BELLO MEDIA OFFICE
PRESS RELEASE
FORMER GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO HONOURS EFCC’S INVITATION
Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alh Yahaya Bello today, honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
This decision was made after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.
The former Governor, who has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process.
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.
He 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.
Details of his engagement with the operatives of the Anti-Graft Agency will be disclosed later.
Ohiare Michael,
Director, Yahaya Bello Media Office
18-09-2024
(With Daily Trust report)
