The Kogi State government has vehemently denied allegations made by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former governor Yahaya Bello, stating that it is a ploy by “criminals masquerading as politicians” to tarnish his image. The amended charge by the EFCC accuses Bello of diverting Kogi State government funds in September 2015, a few months before he assumed the governorship.

The state government lambasted the EFCC, depicting it as an agency infiltrated by individuals whose actions contradict the president’s anti-corruption agenda. According to the commissioner for information in Kogi State, Kingsley Fanwo, the inclusion of Bello in the charges is “ridiculous, laughable, and portrays the EFCC in a negative light.”

Furthermore, the government refuted the allegations, pointing out that Bello could not have conspired to convert any funds belonging to the Kogi State government in September 2015 since he only assumed office as governor in January 2016. The state government emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability, urging the EFCC chairman to offer an unreserved apology to the Nigerian people for the baseless allegations.

In the midst of the controversy, the state government called on the president to intervene and uphold the integrity of the EFCC, cautioning against dragging the agency into political skirmishes. It also reiterated its dedication to supporting the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda and promoting probity and openness, emphasizing its track record of winning accolades for transparency and accountability.

The statement from the Kogi State government reflects a robust defense of former governor Yahaya Bello amidst the EFCC’s allegations, shedding light on a contentious issue that has significant implications for Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign.