Oshiomhole faults Kogi Gov over EFCC saga
Former Edo State governor and current senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has faulted Usman Ododo, the governor of Kogi State, over his perceived involvement in the saga surrounding Yahaya Bello and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Speaking at the national integration conference themed ‘Revisiting the national question: Nigeria’s elusive search for national integration,’ Oshiomhole criticized Ododo’s actions, labeling them as a breach of the law. He emphasized the importance of citizens speaking up against such breaches, regardless of the individuals involved.
Oshiomhole also addressed the issue of education, highlighting Bello’s alleged payment of $760,910 in advance fees to the American International School Abuja from the coffers of the Kogi state government for his children.
He denounced the disparity in educational opportunities, recalling his efforts as Edo governor to ensure access to education for all children, irrespective of their backgrounds.
CRYSTALNEWS recalled that EFCC recently accused Yahaya Bello, the immediate-past governor of Kogi, of money laundering and corruption amounting to N80.2 billion.
The situation escalated on April 17 when EFCC operatives attempted to arrest Bello at his residence in Abuja.
During the siege, Usman Ododo, the Kogi State governor, reportedly arrived at the scene and shortly after his departure, the EFCC operatives ended their operation, sparking speculation that Ododo may have facilitated Bello’s departure from the scene.
Also, it was gathered that the Kogi High Court delivered a judgment in a fundamental rights enforcement suit, restraining the EFCC from harassing or detaining the former governor.
However, the EFCC obtained a warrant of arrest against Bello from a Federal High Court in Abuja on the same day.
Bello was declared wanted by the anti-graft agency, while the Nigeria Immigration Service placed him on a watchlist.
Bello cited fear of arrest as the reason for his absence during an arraignment initially scheduled for April 18.