Yahaya Bello: Northern Group Sends Urgent Message to Tinubu, “Kogi Gov Ododo Is Shielding Him”

• Kogi state governor Usman Ododo’s alleged interference in the EFCC's case against Yahaya Bello, has become a major concern to some Nigerians
• A northern group expressed serious concern over the development and urged President Tinubu to take necessary action against Ododo, whom they accused of protecting Bello with his immunity
• The Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly (NEYGA) alleged that Ododo is harbouring Bello in Kogi state government house, further preventing the ex-Kogi gov's arrest and hindering the EFCC's efforts

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

The Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly (NEYGA) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and call Kogi state Governor Usman Ododo to order.

The group alleged that Governor Usman Ododo is allegedly shielding his predecessor, Yahaya Bello and undermining the anti-corruption war.

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Recall that the EFCC said it was finding it difficult to arrest Yahaya Bello because of the ‘system’.

The EFCC acting zonal director, Benin zonal command, Effa Okim, said Bello, who is accused of N80.2bn fraud, is being protected by the ‘system’.

Yahaya Bello's case: Northern group slams Ododo

But in a statement released and made available to Legit.ng on Wednesday, June 19, signed by spokesperson Ibrahim Dan-Musa, NEYGA accused Ododo of using his immunity to protect Bello, who has been declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to the group, Ododo has been driving Bello around and lobbying influential figures in Abuja to intervene on his behalf.

The group further noted that during the Sallah celebrations in Okene, Governor Ododo's convoy brought the former Governor, Bello, home.

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It revealed that Bello had remained indoors throughout his stay and thereafter, they drove back together to his hiding place in the Kogi state government house.

Yahaya Bello's case: What Tinubu should do

Speaking further, NEYGA condemned Ododo’s actions and described it as a slap in the face of President Tinubu’s anti-corruption efforts. The group warned that if left unchecked, it would set a dangerous precedent.

Buttressing their point, the group urged the EFCC not to be frustrated by Bello’s attempts to wield public opinion in his favour, despite his alleged massive looting of state resources.

Going forward, NEYGA emphasized the need for Bello to answer for his crimes during his tenure as governor and as well called on nation to stand firm against corruption and not yield to blackmail.

“We must not allow corruption to fight back and undermine our collective efforts to build a just and equitable society.

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“We urge President Tinubu to take decisive action and curb Ododo’s sabotage of the EFCC’s efforts to bring Yahaya Bello to justice,” the statement read.

Political activist urges EFCC to act against Bello

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a Kogi state political activist, Comrade Usman Okai Austin, faulted the EFCC's delay at the Federal High Court.

He queried the agency's commitment to justice in the ongoing case against former Governor Yahaya Bello.

Okai, in a statement sent to Legit.ng on Wednesday, June 13, urged the EFCC to uphold its integrity, reminding them that the public's trust is at stake.

Source: Legit.ng