In a recent statement, the Kogi State Government has raised concerns over what it perceives as political interference in the ongoing prosecution of former Governor Yahaya Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, accused the EFCC of witch-hunting and persecuting Bello, calling for a special probe into the matter.
Fanwo asserted that the state’s funds are intact and criticized the EFCC’s efforts to find missing funds that do not exist. He alleged that the anti-graft agency was being manipulated by forces associated with the presidency to target the former governor. Fanwo urged the EFCC to refrain from implicating Kogi State in its prosecution and called on President Bola Tinubu to initiate a special investigation into the situation.
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The statement emphasized that the amended charges against the former governor were baseless and fabricated, intended to tarnish Bello’s reputation and provoke a media backlash against him and other government officials. Fanwo urged President Tinubu to intervene and ensure a fair and impartial investigation into the matter.
Furthermore, the Kogi State Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the federal government’s anti-corruption efforts but stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law and avoiding political manipulation in the process. The government emphasized its dedication to transparency, accountability, and integrity, pledging to safeguard the state’s reputation and maintain its credibility among international development partners.
In conclusion, the government called for a transparent and unbiased approach to the fight against corruption, emphasizing the need to uphold the principles of justice and fairness. It urged individuals with personal grievances to address them without tarnishing the name of Kogi State, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining the trust and respect of its citizens and international partners.
