***Urges Bello to submit self to EFCC
A Human Rights activist and Executive Director Initiative for Grassroots Advancement in Nigeria (INGRA) Mr Hamza Aliyu has said that former Governor Yahaya Bello ought to submit himself to the same laws that he once swore to uphold.
He said that one of the fundamental steps away from tyranny remains the notion of rule by law, including the notion that even a ruler is under the law and should rule by virtue of legal means.
He said that laws express the will of the people rather than the whims of kings, dictators, military officials, religious leaders or self-appointed political parties adding that Democracy as a system of government went further to establish the Rule of Law.
“Although no society or government system is problem-free, rule of law protects fundamental political, social, and economic rights and reminds us that tyranny and lawlessness are not the only alternatives.
“The recent debacle between the former Governor of Kogi State Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the former’s residence in Abuja leaves a sour taste in the mouths of every lover of democracy.
Aliyu hinted that there was apparent bad blood between the Agency and the former Governor.
“However, it is very important as has been stated by the Attorney General of the Federation, that everyone invited in an investigation, must show respect to Nigeria and Nigerians by making themselves available to the authorities.
“The maxim in our jurisprudence is that everyone is innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction” he said.
The Human Rights activist noted that it was important for people to exercise restraint in obstructing the course of law “despite our love for the former Governor and our insistence on his innocence.
“It is vital that no one, no matter his or her position, whether having immunity or not, should prevent the rule of law from taking its course as it remains one of the tenets of democracy.
“That is what makes us a democracy and we must all abide by it so that future generations will imbibe the virtue of respect for constituted authorities.
“We may be benefiting from obstruction of justice today, but tomorrow we could be at the receiving end”, he cautioned. (Ends)