The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) reacting to recent troubling incidents involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and its treatment of Former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has called on the anti graft agency to come clean in the matter.
AYCF said, it finds the actions of the EFCC on the 18th of September, 2024, alarming and deserving of serious public scrutiny because reports has it that former governor popularly known as GYB, voluntarily presented himself to the EFCC’s office, complying with all due processes and protocols expected from a citizen facing scrutiny.
A statement issued by the forum’s President General Yerima Shettima said, instead of engaging him (GYB) in a meaningful dialogue aimed at clarifying any allegations against him, the EFCC inexplicably failed to follow through, opting instead to plan a heavy-handed operation reminiscent of state-sponsored intimidation.
“The subsequent heavy armed surveillance at the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja, including sporadic gunfire purportedly associated with the EFCC’s operatives, not only jeopardizes the safety of GYB but also sends a chilling message regarding the agency’s commitment to impartiality and fairness.
“This behavior poses fundamental questions about the EFCC’s operational integrity and its motivations in targeting specific individuals, particularly those from minority ethnic groups.
Moreover, the disparity in the treatment of different political figures raises eyebrows.
“While GYB was met with armed siege, it is notable that the EFCC exhibited a vastly different demeanor when the former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, reported to its office amidst a crowd of supporters. This inconsistency indicates an alarming bias that must not only be addressed but also rectified”.
Shettima queried: what are the true intentions behind these maneuvers by the EFCC? What criteria are they using to determine who is subjected to their procedural scrutiny? The selective operational tactics employed by the EFCC creates the unsettling notion that the agency may be acting under undue influence, serving certain interests rather than fulfilling its paramount duty to uphold justice and equity for all Nigerians.
The AYCF however said, it remained resolute in its call for transparency and accountability in the actions of public institutions, especially those tasked with fighting corruption, adding that former Governors with cases to answer, regardless of their ethnic affiliations or political connections, must be treated with the same level of scrutiny. “It is unacceptable for the EFCC, under the leadership of Mr. Olu Olukoyede, to overlook significant financial misappropriations involving individuals from certain ethnic backgrounds while escalating attacks against others”.
Shettima also said, the alarming atmosphere of intimidation fostered by the EFCC must be addressed with urgency. “We are particularly concerned about the safety and well-being of GYB in light of these developments. It is imperative that the Nigerian government and relevant authorities take immediate action to protect him and ensure that due process is followed.
“Moreover, we wish to convey our concerns to international community members regarding the concerning patterns of selective justice and the potential implications for human rights. We urge global organizations and foreign governments to monitor these developments closely as we collectively champion the cause of justice for all Nigerians.
“In conclusion, as we heed the words of General Omar N. Bradley, let us remember that a failure to prevent unjust actions can lead to dire consequences”.
AYCF reiterated it’s firm stand against any misuse of power by the EFCC or any other institution against the people of Kogi State or any state in Nigeria.
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