JUST IN: FG advises Bello to submit himself to EFCC
The Federal Government has advised the immediate-past governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to submit himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for probe.
The presidential hopeful is wanted by the anti-graft agency over alleged corrupt practices while in office.
Recall that THISNIGERIA reported on Wednesday that operatives of the EFCC laid siege for the former governor at his Abuja residence but he was reportedly whisked away in the convoy of his successor, Ahmed Ododo.
Reacting to the drama, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), in a statement he personally signed on Thursday, told Bello that the anti-graft agency has the legal standing to invite every Nigerian for probe.
Furthermore, the AGF expressed disappointment in the action of Ododo, who reportedly misused his immunity to prevent Bello’s arrest.
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He described his action as disquieting and an embarrassment to Nigeria before the law.
According to him, he stands for the rule of law and will ensure no right of any Nigerian is trampled upon.
The AGF said in the terse statement, “The bizarre drama confronting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the course of its efforts to perform its statutory duty has come to my notice (Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice) as a matter of very grave concern.
“It is now beyond doubt that the EFCC is given power by the law to invite any person of interest to interact with them in the course of their investigation into any matter regardless of status. Therefore, the least that we can all do when invited, is not to put any obstruction in the way of EFCC but to honourably answer their invitation.
“A situation where public officials who are themselves subject of protection by law enforcement agents will set up a stratagem of obstruction to the civil and commendable efforts of the EFCC to perform its duty is to say the least, insufferably disquieting. A flight
from the law does not resolve issues at stake but only exacerbates it.
“I state unequivocally that I stand for the rule of law and will promptly call EFCC and indeed any other agency to order when there is indication of any transgression of the fundamental rights of any Nigerian by any of the agencies but I also tenaciously hold the view that institutions of State should be allowed to function effectively and efficiently. Nigeria has a vibrant judicial system that is capable of protecting everyone who follows the rule of law in seeking protection.
“I therefore encourage anyone who has been invited by the EFCC or any other agency to immediately toe the path of decency and civility by honouring such invitation instead of embarking on a temporising self-help and escapism that can only put our country in bad light before the rest of the world.”
