Posted by Samuel on Thu 19th Sep, 2024 - tori.ng
HURIWA expressed deep dissatisfaction with the confusion and mixed signals surrounding Bello’s visit to the EFCC headquarters, condemning the agency’s lack of clarity, coordination, and seriousness in addressing the matter.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its management of the high-profile case involving former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello.
HURIWA expressed deep dissatisfaction with the confusion and mixed signals surrounding Bello’s visit to the EFCC headquarters, condemning the agency’s lack of clarity, coordination, and seriousness in addressing the matter.
In a media statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA observed that Bello, who has been declared wanted by the anti-graft agency for alleged involvement in an N80.2 billion money laundering case, reportedly paid a visit to the agency’s office in Abuja.
However, conflicting reports from the EFCC and the former governor’s media team have muddled the situation, raising questions about the agency’s competence and the integrity of its anti-corruption efforts.
DAILY POST reports that Bello’s Media Office said the former governor’s visit was voluntary and a result of consultation with his legal and political associates.
However, this narrative was sharply contested by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, who categorically denied that Bello was ever in the agency’s custody, insisting that the former governor remains wanted.
In light of these contradictory reports, HURIWA launched a scathing critique of the EFCC’s handling of the situation, describing it as a “charade” and calling for immediate reforms within the agency.
The human rights group argued that the confusion surrounding Bello’s case exemplifies the broader dysfunction within Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions, which it believes have become increasingly entangled in political theatrics rather than focusing on the actual business of combating graft.
“This hide-and-seek game with Yahaya Bello is nothing short of a coordinated farce and an unpardonable gimmick,” HURIWA said in a statement.
“It is absolutely unacceptable. The EFCC must stop this charade and get serious with the enforcement of Nigeria’s anti-graft laws, or else the entire management must be uprooted if the country is to have any hope of waging a decisive war on corruption.”
HURIWA further expressed outrage that while individuals accused of internet fraud are publicly paraded as if they’ve already been convicted, someone accused of embezzling public funds on such an enormous scale is treated with far more leniency.
“How is it that those accused of internet fraud are paraded in front of the media as if they’ve already been found guilty, while someone facing accusations involving billions of Kogi State’s resources can move around freely, resembling a superstar like Beyoncé preparing for a concert? This glaring double standard must be addressed,” HURIWA remarked.
The human rights organization warned that allowing such leniency could have far-reaching consequences, eroding public trust in Nigeria’s ability to fight corruption effectively.
HURIWA questioned the seriousness of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in tackling corruption, especially when the EFCC, under his leadership, continues to mishandle cases involving high-profile individuals such as Yahaya Bello.
“This issue is not just about Yahaya Bello—it speaks to the very heart of Nigeria’s commitment to fighting corruption under President Tinubu’s leadership.
“If high-profile figures like Yahaya Bello can evade accountability while flaunting their wealth and status, it sends a dangerous signal to the rest of the country that corruption is acceptable, particularly for the political elite,” HURIWA added.
The rights group went on to call for immediate and decisive action from President Tinubu and the leadership of the EFCC to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.