Corruption is certainly not a new phenomenon in Nigeria. It has long been an intrinsic element of Nigerian society, affecting virtually all spheres of the West African country.
Anecdotal evidence indicates that corruption is culturally acceptable because members of the family, tribe, or ethnic group benefit from an individual’s ill-gotten gains.
To highlight the importance of anti-corruption efforts for socio-economic growth — which is a global priority — the anti-graft agency, the EFCC, has arrested, detained, and prosecuted several public office holders, including former governors, ministers, managing directors, and many other public officials.
Unfulfilled promises and disappointed expectations of the past are largely responsible for the apparent apathy and disillusionment regarding elected leaders. Democratic leadership is about honest service to the people, without seeking material rewards in return.
The race is not about personal gain but a passion to use one’s wealth of experience in the service of the people.In the wake of the Bello Gate corruption allegations, there has been a series of distorted information regarding the facts of the matter being investigated by the EFCC.
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello reportedly evaded arrest by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday, with the assistance of his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.
The EFCC had laid siege to the Kogi State Government Lodge in Abuja in an attempt to apprehend Bello, who is wanted in connection with an alleged N80.2 billion fraud case.Despite the operation, Ododo allegedly helped Bello avoid arrest by leveraging the immunity he enjoys as a sitting governor.
The incident mirrors a similar attempt in April, when Ododo reportedly facilitated Bello’s escape from EFCC operatives during another raid in Abuja. On Wednesday, after a visit by Bello and Ododo to the EFCC headquarters, the commission denied having Bello in custody.
EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale stated that Bello was not detained, despite claims by Bello’s media team that he had visited the agency. EFCC officials indicated that Ododo’s actions prevented them from arresting Bello, explaining that his governorship immunity hindered further action by the operatives.
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has vowed that no one involved in economic or financial crimes will be spared by the commission.
Olukoyede made this declaration recently at an anti-corruption concert organized to raise awareness and promote public involvement in the fight against internet crimes.
Olukoyede emphasized the progress made since he assumed office a few months ago and reaffirmed his commitment to an all-encompassing, fully integrated war against corrupt practices. “We will not spare anyone. We will not spare the mega thieves. As we pursue the big cases, we will also target those at the lower end.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the government body tasked with combating corruption and fraud, has been transformed into a modern and effective institution under Olukoyede’s leadership.
Yet, his greatest contribution to the anti-corruption crusade has been his selflessness, resilience, and exemplary conduct in the face of temptations, threats, and traps since his appointment in 2023. He has courageously brought to justice hundreds of fraudsters and numerous high-profile looters and economic saboteurs.
Since Olanipekun Olukoyede’s appointment as chairman of the commission in October 2023, the fight against corruption has taken on a new dimension. Under his leadership, the EFCC has recorded unprecedented successes in recovering looted funds and prosecuting fraud suspects, from the highest levels to the grassroots.
Never in the history of the commission has such a substantial amount of money, in both national and international currencies, been recovered from looters.
The EFCC is reported to have secured 3,175 convictions and recovered N156,276,691,242.30 between May 29, 2023, and now. Foreign cash seizures include $43,835,214.24, £25,365.00, €186,947.10, ₹51,360.00, C$3,750.00, A$740.00, ¥74,754.00, R35,000.00, 42,390.00 UAE Dirhams, 247.00 Riyals, and 21,580,867,631 in cryptocurrency.
Most stories have at least two sides. While it is not always necessary to present every side in every piece, stories should be balanced and provide context. Objectivity is not always possible and may not always be desirable, but impartial and objective reporting builds trust and confidence.
Former Governor Yahaya Bello is not the first former governor to appear before the EFCC; since 2007, dozens of former governors have appeared before the commission to clear their names of corruption allegations. So, what makes Yahaya Bello’s case special? The former Governor should stop this drama and present himself to the EFCC with immediate alacrity in the interest of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. As the saying goes, “A clean conscience fears no accusation.”
Nas is a Public Commentator based in Abuja.
