The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), during a press briefing at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, on Tuesday, made a resolute declaration concerning the prosecution of the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. He stated unequivocally that he would resign from his position if Bello is not brought to justice. The former governor faces serious charges including alleged money laundering and misappropriation of funds amounting to N80.2 billion.
Amid the ongoing efforts to arraign Bello, the EFCC chairman expressed his commitment to ensuring that all individuals who interfered with the arrest and subsequent legal proceedings against Bello would be held accountable. He emphasized the broader impact of the EFCC’s mission, asserting that the agency’s failure would signify a failure for Nigeria as a whole. He highlighted the necessity of public support for the EFCC, linking the agency’s activities to significant national outcomes such as the stabilization of the Nigerian Naira and improvements in the foreign market.
The chairman’s remarks come at a critical time when the EFCC is pushing against significant resistance in its high-profile cases. He stressed that despite the challenges and attacks against the agency, he and his team are unwavering in their dedication to cleanse the country of corruption. The statement underscores the high stakes involved in the fight against corruption in Nigeria and the personal accountability the chairman is willing to assume to see justice served.