Civil society organizations in Nigeria are intensifying their calls for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the prosecution of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who faces allegations of fraud amounting to N80 billion.
The push for action comes amid growing concerns over delays in the case and doubts about the government’s commitment to its anti-corruption agenda.
Former Governor Bello, who served Kogi State from 2016 to 2023, has been charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in connection with the massive fraud. However, the prosecution process has faced significant delays, leading to accusations that the government is not fully committed to fighting corruption.
On Monday, a joint press conference was held in Abuja where Okpanachi Jacob, National Coordinator of the Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance, and Peter Onuma, Coordinator of the Kogi Conscience Liberation Movement, addressed these concerns and called for swift action from President Tinubu.
Okpanachi Jacob expressed frustration over the slow pace of the prosecution, highlighting that public skepticism about the government’s anti-corruption efforts is growing. “We urge all relevant government agencies to expedite action in the war against corruption, as Nigerians and Kogi State citizens are growing restless over the delayed prosecution of former Governor Yahaya Bello for alleged N80 billion fraud,” Jacob stated.
He elaborated on the impact of corruption on Kogi State, noting, “The EFCC served Bello’s charges through his counsel over two months ago, yet Nigerians are getting impatient with the government’s direction in fighting corruption, as seen in the Kogi State case study. Corruption has severely impacted Kogi State’s economy, leading to high poverty levels, reduced income for civil servants, and increased crime rates.”
Jacob praised the EFCC’s efforts but urged the commission to accelerate the legal process, stressing the need for President Tinubu to take decisive action to reinforce his administration’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda. “Corruption threatens our statehood, impedes socio-economic and political progress, and reduces confidence in our system. We must act now to show that we are serious about fighting corruption,” he asserted.
Peter Onuma also addressed the issue, emphasizing the necessity for the EFCC to work with other security agencies to ensure that Bello’s case proceeds without further delay. “Former Governor Yahaya Bello is advocating for his case to be transferred to the state, which is indirectly trying to bypass the court processes. I call on President Bola Tinubu to give the needed support to the people. Presently, corruption is the main problem in Nigeria. When a leader or former leader is found wanting, it should be addressed according to the law of the land,” Onuma said.
He criticized the lack of transparency and urged the ruling All Progressives Congress to demonstrate genuine commitment to anti-corruption measures. “Someone who has been called to appear in court on two to three different occasions should receive appropriate professional treatment. The APC should show transparency, as this is the only way we can believe in the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’ Allowing someone with no respect for the law to remain a member of the political community undermines the integrity of the system,” Onuma argued.
Both Jacob and Onuma’s statements reflect a broader call from civil society for urgent and effective action in the fight against corruption, underscoring the need for the Presidency to uphold the rule of law and restore public trust in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
