APC Youths Demand Accountability: Yahaya Bello Must Face EFCC Charges

Yahaya Bello's EFCC Saga - APC Youths Demand Accountability

”Bello's consistent disobedience of court summons and forum shopping are now being misinterpreted as a result...”

Yahaya Bello, former Kogi State Governor, faces N80.2 billion and N110.4 billion fraud allegations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC has barricaded Bello's Abuja residence, restricting movement in and around the area, amidst claims that he's evading accountability and ridiculing the Nigerian justice system. The APC Youth Vanguard has condemned Bello's actions, urging him to cooperate with authorities to clear his name and protect the party's image.

The All Progressive Congress (APC) Youth Vanguard has publicly condemned former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello's actions, which they believe are damaging the party's reputation amidst his ongoing legal battles with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement issued on November 10, signed by Coordinator Rasheed Sanusi, the group criticized Bello's evasion of accountability and urged him to cooperate with authorities. They emphasized that his actions not only harm the party's image but also raise concerns about perceived presidential protection due to his involvement in the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council and membership in the APC.

Background of the Controversy

Alleged Fraud Charges: Bello faces charges of N80.2 billion and N110.4 billion fraud, with the EFCC accusing him of money laundering and criminal breach of trust.

Court Summons: Bello has consistently disobeyed court summons, leading to concerns about his accountability and potential presidential protection.

Impact on APC's Image: The APC Youth Vanguard fears Bello's actions will tarnish the party's reputation, especially after recent EFCC arrests of opposition PDP governors.

The group's statement highlights the need for Bello to take responsibility and cooperate with the EFCC to clear his name and protect the party's image.

The statement reads in part, ”Bello's consistent disobedience of court summons and forum shopping are now being misinterpreted as a result of protection by the Presidency being a member of the APC and having played a role in the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council.

“The helplessness explained recently by the Presidential spokesman in a television interview is neither helpful nor acceptable.

“Orji Uzor Kalu was quoted as saying 'I had a case with the EFCC. I appeared in all court proceedings for 12 years, I never ran away and I never missed any court sitting. I am not the kind of person that will dodge court sittings.

“Ex-Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku has also been arrested by EFCC to account for his actions and activities while in office and has since been released on bail.

“Only last week, ex-Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was arrested and released on administrative bail.

“Also, the outgoing Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has declared his readiness to invitation, if invited.

“So, why is Yahaya Bello shunning court summons? Who are those in the Presidency allegedly protecting Bello? This seemingly state of helplessness is embarrassing to our Party, the Presidency and the country as a whole. It is a global shame. We urge Bello to voluntarily appear for arraignment at the courts or be forced to do so by inter- agency cooperation. Enough is enough.”