Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a notable adversary of Yahaya Bello, the ex-Governor of Kogi State, has urged him to present himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in light of an alleged fraud amounting to N80.2 billion.
Representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Akpoti-Uduaghan implored Bello to respect the EFCC’s summons and cease evading the investigation.
A statement released on Friday by her spokesperson, Arogbonlo Israel, revealed the Senator’s astonishment at Bello’s refusal to respond to the EFCC’s summons. She commended the EFCC’s efforts to apprehend and prosecute Bello for the alleged fraudulent activities during his tenure as governor.
Akpoti-Uduaghan reminded Bello of his duty to uphold Nigeria’s laws and constitution, especially considering his previous role as Kogi’s chief security officer. She also stressed the importance of the EFCC investigating other public officials suspected of corruption, to dispel any notions of a targeted campaign against Bello.
She expressed, “I was taken aback to learn that Yahaya Bello dodged the EFCC’s summons, despite his past role as Kogi’s chief security officer. As a former governor, he should be well aware of the significance of upholding Nigeria’s laws and constitution. It is a universally accepted principle that ‘he who seeks justice must do so with clean hands’. Therefore, I urge him to respect the summons and clear his name while the opportunity still exists.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to commend the EFCC for their diligence in managing this case thus far. No Nigerian is above the law, and it is crucial for the agency to pursue this case to its conclusion to earn the trust of Nigerians and the global community in the fight against corruption.”
