Isaac Onuh, a former Nigerian ambassador to Botswana, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to halt its actions against former Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello, calling them a “macabre dance” under the guise of fighting corruption. Speaking with journalists in Lokoja, Onuh claimed the agency’s alleged harassment of Bello stemmed from his presidential ambitions in the 2023 election.
Onuh, also a former lawmaker, argued that the EFCC’s efforts to intimidate Bello reflect misuse of authority, motivated by political adversaries seeking to tarnish the former governor’s reputation. “His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, deserves a measure of respect and decorum from government agencies, including the EFCC, having served the state diligently and meritoriously for eight years,” he stated.
He further condemned the EFCC’s unsubstantiated claims of financial impropriety and public media allegations, despite Bello’s acknowledgment by international monetary bodies for fiscal responsibility. Onuh emphasized that the Kogi State Anti-Corruption Commission has given Bello a “clean slate” for his eight-year tenure, indicating that the EFCC’s actions may overreach its legal mandate.
Pointing to recent events, Onuh highlighted an incident where EFCC officials allegedly staged a “commando operation” at the Kogi State liaison office in Abuja after rejecting a direct meeting with Bello and current Governor Ododo at their headquarters.
Onuh also referenced a letter by former Nigerian Bar Association President Olisa Agbakoba to the Deputy Senate President, calling for legislative reforms to address the conduct of law enforcement agencies. He noted that 19 state governors have taken the issue to the Supreme Court, challenging the EFCC’s constitutionality.
The former ambassador called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to instruct EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede to ensure the agency operates within legal boundaries to uphold Nigeria’s reputation.
