Indigenes of Kogi State and some Nigerians under the aegis of the “Alliance For Emancipation and True Change” on Monday staged a peaceful protest in the United Kingdom about corruption allegations hanged on the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
They urged President Bola Tinubu to wade in and ensure the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, remains neutral and free from political interference.
According to the group, the EFCC had given the impression of political persecution to Nigerians and the international community.
The demonstrators emphasized the importance of a fair and just prosecution process, in line with the rule of law, and condemned the alleged use of the EFCC by politicians to intimidate and harass perceived opponents.
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They warned against the politicization of the EFCC’s activities, calling for a review of its operating procedures to ensure transparency and accountability.
Speaking at the procession, the Publicity Secretary of the Alliance For Emancipation and True Change, Dr Shaibu Ojogbane, and the Director of Research & Public Affairs, Chukwunonso Ezeani, restated the alliance’s support for the government’s anti-corruption efforts but called for greater oversight to prevent selective justice and abuse of human rights.
“The protest against the former Governor today, apparently sponsored by the Opposition in the state, indicates desperation on their part. We are aware that at least one of the opposition candidates is currently in London.
”Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello has restated his readiness to answer questions regarding his period of leadership in Kogi state; all he asks for is that the rule of law be adhered to, as it is glaring that in this particular case, the commission is serving the interest of some powerful Nigerians beyond the eye meets.
”With this in mind, we state without any fear of contradiction that the commission must be called to order without delay.
”We trust that Mr President will act swiftly so this situation doesn’t degenerate into a massive calling out of the government on matters related to selective justice, abuse of human rights and other issues associated therein,” the group said.
They, therefore, urged the president to intervene promptly to prevent further damage to the government’s reputation and ensure the EFCC operates with integrity and impartiality.
According to them, the opposition has also continued to ride on the activities of the anti-graft agency to malign Bello by sponsoring ethnic onslaught against him even outside the country.
The protesters said they deemed it important to stage a peaceful protest on the side of justice so that Nigerians were not misled by a few people.
