According to a report by Arise TV, chief Edwin Clark, a prominent Nigerian elder statesman, has called for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to revive the trials of former state governors.
During an interview with Arise News, the respected elder statesman, Clark emphasized the importance of holding public officials accountable for any alleged financial misconduct during their time in office.
He says, If a governor abuses their authority and enjoys immunity to engage in criminal activities or obstruct justice, I believe this issue must be thoroughly examined. The behavior of the new governor, Yahaya Bello, who is serving his third term, is concerning. It appears he is simply pursuing his own agenda, rather than addressing the needs of the people.
“And I will have to question- if a governor misuses his power, enjoying immunity to commit crime, to obstruct justice, I think the issue has to be called to question. The behavior of the new governor- it’s Yahaya Bello in power for the third time, not Ododo. He’s just running after him.
“So this is what I want to say about Ododo, I’m pleading with him. He’s a nice, attractive young man, he should do the needful so that the youths in this country can have something to fall upon.”
Speaking on his request to the EFCC for the revival of trial of former Nigerian governors, Clark said, “The decision of the new Chairman of EFCC to revive or to revisit old pending cases for over 10 years, 2007- those who have been jailed for even 10 years or more have returned to Nigeria and they are living free life.”
“These people have refused, using their position in the Senate to adjourn cases, the judiciary has their role to answer to Nigerians why a case that has been in court for 10 years, 15 years, has not been tried. Why? Are they not being called? Some of them are ministers, mixed up with officials at the government parties. So, the same people who are standing trial are dining and winning with judges, Chief Justice of Nigeria, because they are free men.”