Former Kogi State governor, Alh. Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday, honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after months of ‘hide and seek’ game with the anti-graft agency.
The former governor was accompanied to the EFCC headquarters by high profile Nigerians.
The Director, Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, in a statement said the decision to honour the invitation was made after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.
The statement said, “The former governor, who has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process.
“The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing. It is important for the former Governor to now honour the invitation of the EFCC to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.
“The former governor believes firmly in the efforts of the administration of President Bola Tinubu to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic development; and supports the fight against corruption in the country.”
Michael further noted that, “It is on record that he was the first Governor of Kogi State to put in place an anti-corruption mechanism to check graft and ensure that the resources of the state work for the people of the State.
“It is our hope that the Commission will be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, all attempts to get the anti-graft agency’s reaction proved abortive as the EFCC spokesperson did not confirm or deny Bello’s presence at their office.