By Ajayi Gbenga Daniel
Although corruption has eaten deep into the country’s moral fibre with obvious negative impacts on the nation’s development and growth, Nigeria has become an underachiever considering her potential to be a global player.
Over the years, there have been a growing consensus on the need to fight the scourge, government on its part has in recent times been making efforts to combat corruption. One of the interventions the government put in place is the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
By its design and fundamental objectives, EFCC has been primed to deal with graft wherever it occurs in the country.
However, two decades after coming on board, the expectations of Nigerians has been dashed due to the fact that the commission has become a tool to witch hunt political opponents.
One case that comes to mind is that of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello who has been a subject of drama and tool for witch hunt by some powerful elements utilizing the commission as a witch hunting tool.
This has been proven on several occasions, especially the drama orchestrated by the commission in its quest to bring the former governor to book for a case that has not yet been established against him, this is also evident by the fact that, the commission has not come forward with any known charge against him.
Additionally, rather than arresting and prosecuting the former Governor, the EFCC has been carrying out mere media trials and not actual intentions to charge him as prescribed by the laws establishing the commission.
If the commission is not carrying a commando style operation of arresting and whisking him away despite a subsisting court order retraining it from doing so, it would make Bello sit endlessly whenever he (Bello) showed up at its secretariat and later tried to kidnap the former governor from his house at night the same day when Bello was asked to go.
By all accounts, and for the benefit of those seeking clarity, it has been ascertained that Bello efficiently managed the finances of the state to the best of his ability and knowledge, so much so that he earned him accolades from important institutions, such as the Kogi State House of Assembly, the institution saddled with the task of over sighting the activities of the executive arm of government.
Precisely on February 2, 2017, the Assembly during plenary passed a vote of confidence on Bello citing his numerous developmental strides that had taken place under his watch as well as the manner he managed the finances of the state during his eight years tenure.
The Assembly repeated the same in March 14. The motion was sponsored by Hon. Bello Hassan Abdullahi (APC Ajaokuta) and it was unanimously adopted by the entire House without any whimper of opposition.
Similarly, the World Bank commended former Governor Yahaya Bello for refunding $4.63 million surplus funds under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).
In a letter of appreciation signed by its Regional Director, Shubham Chaudhuri, the World Bank gave the commendation to Bello, describing the step as a sign of excellent leadership.
According to the World Bank, the action by the Governor made it possible for the organization to extend its projects to other states facing deficit funds and to extend the closing date of its projects.
The letter partly read “I am writing to convey my sincere appreciation for the transfer to Plateau State of the surplus project funds, amounting to USD 4.63 million, that was available in the State’s NEWMAP Designated Account.
Apart from these commendations, former Governor Bello received similar commendations from reputable institutions on the manner he ruled the state during his two term regime.
While not in any way impeding the EFCC from performing its duties of stamping out corruption from the country, I join other concerned Nigerians to call on the anti-graft agency to employ civility, decorum and professionalism in the discharge of its duties and not this uncivilized approach, Nigeria is not a Banana Republic.
