EFCC Charges Yahaya Bello With 80bn Corruption Charges, Kogi Govt Under ‘Godson’ Ododo Kicks Back
Just as former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello wrapped up his tenure in office and handed over to his successor, Usman Ododo, the news broke that he was facing corruption charges from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
It's a serious blow for Bello, as the end of his term stripped him of the constitutional immunity that shielded him from such legal actions.
The allegations against Bello are significant, accusing him of diverting a staggering sum of over N80 billion.
These charges stem from an ongoing case involving his nephew and an associate, who were initially accused of misappropriating Kogi State funds.
Now, with the EFCC amending the charges to include Bello as a co-defendant, the stakes are even higher.
Unsurprisingly, the Kogi State Government, under the leadership of Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo, swiftly condemned the EFCC's move.
Fanwo didn't mince words, criticizing the timing and basis of the charges. He pointed out that the alleged offenses took place in September 2015, before Bello even assumed office as governor, making his inclusion in the case baseless, in their view.
The heart of the matter revolves around the accusation that Bello personally benefited from the conversion of N80.2 billion belonging to the Kogi State Government.
Fanwo vehemently dismissed these allegations as ludicrous, emphasizing that Bello wasn't even in power during the time in question.
He didn't hold back in criticizing the EFCC's tactics, labeling them as desperate and politically motivated.
In a bold move, Fanwo called upon the President to intervene, urging him to ensure the integrity of the EFCC and prevent its exploitation for political agendas.
He reaffirmed the state government's commitment to transparency and accountability, vehemently denying any claims of missing funds and pledging to defend the government's integrity at all costs.
Highlighting previous instances where the EFCC had wrongly accused the Kogi State Government of financial misconduct, Fanwo stressed the state's unwavering dedication to fighting baseless allegations.
In a bid to reassure the people of Kogi State, Fanwo urged them to remain calm and law-abiding in the face of the EFCC's actions.
He assured them of the government's steadfast commitment to their welfare and the overall development of the state.
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