During a public appearance at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Makurdi, Benue State, former Governor Samuel Ortom called on Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, to address the serious charges levied against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Yahaya Bello, who is under investigation for an alleged N80.2 billion fraud, has been declared wanted by the EFCC after failing to appear for his arraignment at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Ortom, emphasizing the gravity of the situation, urged Bello to cease evading the charges, stating that such actions not only tarnish the reputation of former governors but also escalate the severity of the legal situation. He highlighted that facing the allegations head-on would be the responsible course of action.
“You don’t need to hide. You don’t need to resist arrest or anything. Go there and respond. The EFCC (officials) are human beings. If they are making inquiries, the laws are there,” Ortom advised during his speech.
Ortom also mentioned his attempts to reach Bello via phone, as well as through his associates, but to no avail. He expressed his concerns publicly, hoping that Bello would heed the call. This plea was made especially poignant given that Ortom himself had responded to a summons from the EFCC shortly after his own tenure, demonstrating his belief in facing legal inquiries directly.
The situation puts a spotlight on the conduct expected of public officials and the implications of their actions on the perception of governance in Nigeria. As Bello remains elusive, the legal proceedings and public reactions continue to develop, reflecting broader concerns about accountability and transparency in Nigerian politics.
