The North Central Progressive Voice, a Pan-Nigerian sociocultural group, has issued an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, expressing serious concerns over recent actions by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) targeting former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state.
According to The Nation, the group called for President Tinubu's intervention to prevent further escalation and potential damage to the administration's reputation.
In the letter dated April 27, 2024, signed by the group’s convener, Comrade Umar Gambo, the North Central Progressive Voice highlighted the need for President Tinubu to intervene and uphold the independence of the judiciary and civil society.
The group recounted the EFCC’s raid on Yahaya Bello’s home on April 17, 2024, allegedly related to charges of money laundering, despite a court order from the Lokoja High Court prohibiting such actions.
The group expressed concern over the EFCC’s potential violations of constitutional principles and the rule of law, particularly in light of the court order issued on February 9, 2024, which restrained the EFCC from arresting or prosecuting Yahaya Bello.
Despite this order, the EFCC pursued a warrant for Bello's arrest from another court, prompting criticism from legal experts and civil society organizations.
Legal experts, including Frank Tietie and Bar. Daniel Bwalla, have condemned the EFCC’s handling of the case, warning against potential media trials and emphasizing the importance of respecting due process and court orders.
The group urged President Tinubu to leverage his political experience to address the EFCC’s actions and ensure accountability within law enforcement agencies.
The North Central Progressive Voice emphasized the necessity of upholding due process and respecting judicial authority to safeguard civil rights and prevent further constitutional violations.
The group expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his prompt attention to the matter and reiterated its commitment to advocating for judicial independence and civil liberties.
The letter concluded with a call for President Tinubu to intervene decisively in the matter, emphasizing the critical importance of upholding constitutional principles and the rule of law in Nigeria's democratic governance. President Tinubu's response to these concerns will be closely watched by stakeholders across the country.