***Urges anti-graft agency to ensure justice in the corruption probe
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in the 2023 Kogi State gubernatorial election, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, has praised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for arresting former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello over alleged corruption during his administration from 2016 to 2024.
Ajaka described the EFCC’s action as a bold step toward justice and accountability, urging the commission to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
He recommended probing local government officials, members of the Kogi State House of Assembly, and Yahaya Bello’s asset declarations to ensure a strong case.
He also warned against any potential deals for Bello’s release, emphasizing that Kogi citizens demand transparency and justice. Ajaka underscored the need to recover stolen funds for the state’s development and highlighted the unity among Kogi’s diverse ethnic groups in seeking justice.
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Alhaji Ajaka, in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday said that the decisive action of the anti-graft agency was a significant move towards ensuring accountability and justice, which the people of Kogi State have long deserved.
To ensure that the effort yields meaningful results, he said, the EFCC must intensify its investigation to uncover solid and irrefutable evidence that will not only sustain prosecution but also ensure a watertight case.
According to the SDP governorship candidate, “This investigation should include, interrogating Local Government Chairmen who served under Yahaya Bello’s administration and facilitated his access to local government funds.
“Summoning members of the Kogi State House of Assembly, particularly its leadership, to account for their roles in approving loans that were allegedly misappropriated during Bello’s administration.
“Investigating Yahaya Bello’s financial worth before assuming office in 2016 by obtaining his asset declaration records from the Code of Conduct Bureau. This will reveal any discrepancies and provide clarity on his sudden accumulation of wealth”, he added.
Ajaka also urged the EFCC to avoid any actions that may trivialise the critical case, adding that, the earlier drama involving the declaration of Yahaya Bello wanted, followed by his unchallenged appearance at the EFCC headquarters without arrest, has already raised public scepticism.
The statement reads in parts, “This time, the EFCC must reassure Kogites of its sincerity and determination by conducting a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation.
“Additionally, the EFCC must address rumours emanating from Yahaya Bello’s camp suggesting that a deal for his immediate release was struck before his arrest. Such claims, if left unrefuted, could seriously undermine public confidence in the credibility of this investigation”.
He said, the ultimate expectation of the people of Kogi State is the recovery of the hundreds of billions allegedly stolen during Yahaya Bello’s administration.
Ajaka said, the funds must be returned to the state’s coffers and redirected to critical developmental projects that will improve the lives of Kogi citizens.
As a true son of Kogi State and a firm believer in justice and good governance, Ajaka said, he is ready to support the EFCC, along with other committed Kogites, in its investigation by providing solid evidence where necessary.
The effort, he said, is not just about holding Yahaya Bello accountable; it is about restoring the dignity and securing the future of the state, emphasizing that the case transcends ethnicity or tribal considerations.
“The people of Kogi State, Okun, Ebira, Igala, and other tribes, are united in their demand for justice. This unity underscores a shared aspiration for transparency, fairness, and good governance.
“I urge the EFCC to act diligently and with integrity, bearing in mind that the eyes of all Kogites and indeed Nigerians are watching closely. Justice for Kogi State must not be compromised. This moment provides an opportunity to set a historic precedent for accountability and the rule of law”, he said and noted that Kogites will ensure that the resources of the State are used for the betterment of its people, not for personal enrichment.
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