Civil society organizations are increasing pressure on the Presidency to prosecute former Governor Yahaya Bello for alleged N80 billion fraud.
According to Vanguard, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Bello in court, but his prosecution has been postponed, raising questions about the government's resolve to combat corruption.
Okpanachi Jacob, National Coordinator of the Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance (CCSGG), and Peter Onuma, Coordinator of the Kogi Conscience Liberation Movement (KCLM), addressed a joint world press conference in Abuja on Monday, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take action on the issue.
Okpanachi noted the necessity to address public skepticism about the government's commitment to fighting corruption.
He stated, "We urge all relevant government institutions to expedite action in the war against corruption, as Nigerians and Kogi State citizenry are getting concerned about the delayed prosecution of former Governor Yahaya Bello for alleged N80 billion fraud.
"The EFCC served Bello's accusations through his counsel over two months ago, but Nigerians are growing dissatisfied with the government's approach to combatting corruption, as seen by the Kogi State case study. Corruption has had a significant impact on Kogi State's economy, resulting in high poverty levels, lower income for civil servants, and increasing crime rates.
"We applaud the EFCC's efforts but urge them to do more, as public lose hope and distrust the fight against corruption. We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act quickly, as demanded by Kogi State citizens, to restore hope in the Renewed Hope Agenda and demonstrate his commitment to fighting corruption.
"Corruption undermines our statehood, stifles socioeconomic and political progress, and erodes trust in our system. We must act immediately to demonstrate that we are serious about combating corruption."
Onuma stressed the necessity for the EFCC to work with other security agencies to combat corruption.