President Bola Tinubu has expressed dissatisfaction with Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo’s alleged interference in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigation into former Governor Yahaya Bello.
Bello faces allegations of mismanaging N80.2 billion in public funds during his administration. Tinubu considers the drama between EFCC, Bello, and Ododo detrimental to Nigeria’s democratic image and global perception.
A Special Adviser to the President stated, “The President expects any public officeholder invited over alleged misappropriation to honor the invitation, present their side, and provide exonerating documents. This is what the President expected the Kogi state former governor to do and after stating his own side of the issue, if not allowed to leave, he has the right to approach the court where all matters will be laid and the court will decide the fate of both EFCC and the former governor.”
Another aide, who preferred to remain anonymous, noted, “The president is angry that a simple issue has become a public drama.
This is not what we expected from both Bello and Ododo.”
Renowned legal practitioner Adeyemi Sulaimon criticized Ododo’s actions, saying, “If the incumbent governor is truly allegedly shielding former governor Yahaya Bello, then what he is doing is a criminal offense that can be used against him after leaving office as governor.”
Nelson Ekujumi, convener of Patriotisms Awareness Forum (PAF), urged Ododo to distance himself from Bello, stating, “Whatever is the case, the court is available for anyone to free himself from any allegations made by law enforcement agency.”
The Presidency’s stance came amid reactions from legal practitioners, human activists, and others condemning Bello’s refusal to honor EFCC’s invitation.
A female aide to the President’s office noted, “Bello will not be the first former governor neither will he be the last; Ododo and Bello cannot continue stopping EFCC from doing their job. The entire drama is making the country a lawless nation.”
The EFCC has charged Bello with 19 counts of money laundering, with arraignment set for April 18, 2024.
- Tinubu remains committed to upholding the law, ensuring institutions perform their duties, and promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
