A socio political group under the auspices of the Odu Akowe Network ( Youths’ and students wing) has appealed to president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevail on the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC to stop further harassment of former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello.
At a press conference held at NUJ press centre, Lokoja the co-ordinator of the youths and students wing, Comrade Noah Agada said the constant harassment by EFCC of the former Governor is becoming intolerable, alleging that it was orchestrated plan to hang a innocent dog with a bad name stressing that such act is capable of derailing the administration of governor Usman Ododo in the state.
“The activities of the EFCC as regards to Kogi State in the recent weeks and months are constantly hindering the peace and development of our dear state; Impeding on the focus of the Ododo Administration, therefore hampering on the progress of the state.
“The Odu Akowe Network, Youth and Student Wing, is therefore using this medium to urge the Federal Government led by our humble Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the EFCC to order and refrain from distracting our Governor Usman Ododo and former Governor Yahaya Bello with inquiries into alleged infractions, instead they should allow the current Governor to focus on his good governance.
“The constant scrutiny of the past administration by the EFCC, masterminded by persons who are out to score personal political gains with the intent to persecute rather than prosecute the former Governor is hindering the present administration from being purposeful and effective; let’s prioritize the future and development of our State.
“It is pertinent to note some of the achievements of former Governor Yahaya Bello’s contribution to State and National development; he was at the forefront of the 2023 Presidential election, even after losing his bid for the presidency, he wore the garment of a sportsman, campaigned for APC, leading the youth structures to galvanize support for this government.
“If this is how loyalty and stewardship is rewarded, it is a direct signal to us the youths that there’s no reward system. This is because from all indication former Gov Bello is being paid in a negative manner having contributed handsomely to the APC victory in the 2023 general election.
“It is also worthy to note that, as a youthful and useful governor, he has been the only governor who had the frequent relationship with youth and student bodies in Nigeria. The persecution of Yahaya Bello is an indirect fight against the youths; he had 100% youth inclusiveness during his administration and also meeting up with the 45% women involvement in governance.
“Furthermore, he prioritized education,, for his 8 years administration. All our tertiary institutions were running smooth academic sessions. This resulted to the drastic reduction in insecurity, cultism, drug abuse and other social vices in the state.
“Not forgetting also is the prioritization of health care within the State. The Health Sector received prompt attention with the provision of State-of- the-art Medical Facilities’, increased primary health care service across the State.
“8In the light of the aforementioned, we call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the National party Chairman, Democratic institutions, Opinion leaders and Men of goodwill to wade into this unprofessional conduct displayed thus far by the anti-graft agency.
“The President and the party should also note that “he who is silent in the face of oppression is an accomplice to oppression”. We urge the Federal Government to focus on attracting more development to our State, rather than allowing anti-graft agencies to constantly harass our Governor.
“It’s time to shift the focus from investigation to innovation and progress. We suggest you consider implementing business-attraction programs that have worked for other states.
