Dennis Erezi
Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, is a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, especially within the All Progressives Congress (APC). His journey in the political space is marked by huge contributions to the party’s growth. He led the APC membership registration drive and played an important role in funding the youth wing of the party. His efforts in politics not only boosted the party’s membership but also invigorated its youth engagement, showcasing Bello’s dedication and influence.
In April, 2022, Bello announced his intention to run for the presidency office and bring 20 million Nigerians out of poverty by 2030. Although he didn’t win the APC primaries, as a dedicated APC member, he didn’t let his loss affect his loyalty to the party. Instead, he threw his support behind Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the party’s candidate, demonstrating his commitment to the APC’s success. With the mindset that a win for the party is a win for all, Bello ensured a successful delivery of Kogi State to APC in a landslide victory during the general elections. Even amidst various controversies, he ensured that his successor in Kogi State was also elected under the APC banner, deepening the root of the party in the state.
This year 2024, Yahaya Bello has made the headline of the news consequently over allegations of corruption and fraud. It is seen that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has set its sights on Yahaya Bello, raising eyebrows about the agency’s motives and consistency. But the question remains, isn’t Bello’s situation similar to Matawalle, the immidate past Governor of Zamfara State? In the same Nigeria where the similarities between all politicians is corruption yet the sword is sharpened to stab just one person–Yahaya Bello.
Various politicians who have done worse are currently sitting in higher positions than where they were first charged. Bello Matawalle who is currently under investigation for a 70 Billion Naira fraud currently serves as the Minister of Defence under Tinubu’s administration. Former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike’s Accountant General, now Governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara, was declared wanted for fraud but yet, Wike is now a Minister in the capital city today.
The EFCC itself reveals a list of politicians who have committed fraud in the past, many of them still an office holder or walking free of these dehumanization Yahaya Bello is undergoing. This reveals a troubling inconsistency in the EFCC’s actions. While some politicians with significant allegations continue to enjoy powerful positions, Bello faces undue scrutiny. This glaringly suggests a potential misuse of the EFCC’s powers, painting an obvious political bias within the agency. What did Bello do wrong to be their center of power abuse while others with more severe cases walk freely?
EFCC is regularly criticized for its media-centric approach in excessive-profile cases that attract public interest rather than keep a low profile to ensure steady and fair justice. This approach breeds questions about EFCC’s credibility and raises serious brows on its objectives. In fact, their inconsistency in focusing on particular individuals shows political manipulation. How certain can the masses be sure that EFCC is not getting used as a device to settle political scores instead of upholding justice impartially?
The organization’s selective prosecution and tendency in the direction of media trials quizzes its integrity and effectiveness. For the EFCC to regain public consideration, it needs to perform without political bias and cling strictly to the principles of justice. The Yahaya Bello incident has reiterated the need for a complete overhaul of the EFCC. Bello’s contributions to the APC and his principled stance within the political area deserve recognition, not vilification. Nigerians demand a fair and equal probe system amongst all alleged culprits, and not the organization being used as a tool to vilify or punish some set of politicians. Significant reforms are needed within the EFCC to ensure it becomes a surely independent frame that upholds the rule of law without worry or desire.
Tolulope Omodara writes from Akure, Ondo-State.
