By Abiola Olawale
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the federal lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has expressed her commendation for the efforts of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in pursuing the prosecution of the former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, over allegations of financial misconduct.
Senator Natasha in a statement signed by her Chief Press Secretary, Arogbonlo Israel, and issued at the weekend in Abuja, also urged the EFCC to not relent in its efforts to probe the immediate past governor of Kogi state, adding that no Nigeria is above the law.
The federal lawmaker also reminded Bello of the importance of respecting Nigeria’s laws and constitution, urging him to submit himself for investigations on the alleged N80.2 billion fraud.
The statement reads: “I was surprised to hear that Yahaya Bello evaded the invitation from the EFCC, despite having served as Kogi’s former chief security officer. As a former governor, he should understand the importance of respecting Nigeria’s laws and constitution.
“It’s a well-known fact that ‘he who comes into equity must come with clean hands’. As such, I advise him to honor the invitation and clear his name while he still has the chance.
“I’d also like to take this moment to appreciate the diligence of the EFCC in handling the case so far. No Nigerian is above the law, and therefore the agency must see this case through to the end if they are to gain the trust of both Nigerians and the international community in the fight against corruption,” she said.
The New Diplomat reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had declared Bello wanted in connection to an alleged case of money laundering to the tune of N80.2bn. The EFCC declared Bello wanted after failed attempts to arrest him on Wednesday in Abuja.
It would be recalled that the chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, last Tuesday revealed how Bello allegedly withdrew $720,000 from the government account to a Bureau de Change, to pay for his child’s school fees in advance. However, the former governor has since denied the claims, describing them as false and untrue.
