Accusations of 80 billion naira in financial theft have prompted civil society organizations in Nigeria to demand that Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, be prosecuted, according to Vanguard. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has already filed accusations against Bello in court, but the delays in prosecuting him have raised concerns about the government's commitment to fighting corruption.
During a joint news conference in Abuja on Monday, Peter Onuma, coordinator of the Kogi Conscience Liberation Movement (KCLM), and Okpanachi Jacob, national coordinator of the Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance (CCSGG), emphasized the urgency of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's response to the matter. The public is dubious, according to Okpanachi, and the government must address this by demonstrating its commitment to combating corruption.
"Nigerians and Kogi State citizens are growing restless over the delayed prosecution of former Governor Yahaya Bello for the alleged 80 billion naira fraud," he stated. "Corruption has severely impacted Kogi State's economy, leading to high poverty levels, reduced income for civil servants, and increased crime rates." People in the public sphere have lauded the EFCC's efforts, but they want the agency to do more to stop people from "losing hope and doubting the fight against corruption."
President Tinubu was urged to swiftly resolve the matter so that the people would once again have faith in the government's "Renewed Hope Agenda" and his commitment to combating corruption. As part of its anti-corruption efforts, Onuma emphasized the EFCC's need to collaborate with other security agencies. Also, he spoke out against what he saw as Bello trying to get out of the law by moving the case to the state.