EFCC Accused of Political Agenda in Kogi State Corruption Case

The Kogi State Government has once again accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of executing a political agenda and not fighting corruption.

The accusations come as the EFCC re-arraigns Kogi officials in a case involving former Governor Yahaya Bello.

The allegations include false, fictitious charges against Bello, with the state government urging the Commission to come clean on the reasons behind its unrelenting persecution and media trial of the former Governor.

The statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, emphasizes that the world would be eager to know why the EFCC is trying so hard to find what is not missing.

According to the statement, the amended charges in which the name of the former Governor was mentioned are a sign of desperation to call a dog a bad name in order to hang it.

The intention is to sensationalize the whole scenario and promote a media war against the former Governor and other officials of Government.

The Kogi State Government has called on President Bola Tinubu to order a special probe into what is happening in the state before the EFCC is pushed into being used as a hired gun by political hawks who are acting a selfish and overambitious script.

They have also expressed their commitment to transparency, accountability, and probity in line with the trend from 2016.

As a subnational in the Nigerian nationhood, the Kogi State Government has expressed utmost respect for agencies set up to perform specific functions towards the greatness of Nigeria.

However, the recent accusations against the EFCC suggest that the Commission’s actions are driven by political motives rather than a genuine desire to fight corruption.

The statement from the Kogi State Government also highlights the fact that the state’s funds are not missing, and the EFCC is trying to find what is not missing.

It is essential that the anti-corruption crusade of the Federal Government is based on the rule of law, purity of conscience, and devoid of political scheming, as politicizing the fight against corruption can have severe consequences for the credibility of the anti-corruption agencies and the government.

The ongoing case involving the Kogi State Government, the EFCC, and former Governor Yahaya Bello has raised concerns about the Commission’s motivations and actions.

The accusations of a political agenda and witch-hunt must be taken seriously, and it is crucial that the judiciary protects the name and integrity of the Kogi State Government.