By Ms Joy Odaudu
I have been following keenly the allegations of Financial misappropriation leveled against his Excellency former Governor Yahaya Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
I am not a fan of the agency though because, the way and manner the EFCC operate most times is against known legal procedure. Often than not, the agency return to the media to say “oh sorry we dont have evidence to pursue this matter and apologize.
My worry now is why is the Chairman, Mr Olanipekun Olukoyedee, taking the persecution so personal so much that he has refused to hear the voice of reasoning? His position as the Executive Chairman of the Commission is revered and should be seen to be so in doing the job… But the extent to which he has carried out this matter has created so much to be worried about. One need to wonder why the EFCC has refused to uphold the right of Yahaya Bello to be investigated impartially without succumbing to political pressure or personal biase.
The EFCC rather than pursue genuine issues relating to financial crime has engaged in bullying to earn undue respect and it is most unfortunate..
The personal call made to his Excellency Yahaya Bello to appear before the Commission to the extent of promising to open the backdoor for him to enter into the building for investigation is a disrespect to all lovers of due process and it speaks volume. Sadly this statement came from the Chairman of the Commission himself.
The General Public, respected Women and Youth of this Country need to stand up against any of the national agencies engaged in shallow minded operations like this one.
Happily, many respected Nigerian citizens, home and abroad have called on the EFCC to exercise retrain and I hope the Executive Chairman will, as a matter of urgency, exercise caution now and always.
