September 18, (THEWILL) – After several months of evading arrest and refusing to appear in court, former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, finally honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday.
Bello’s whereabouts have remained unknown since he was declared wanted by the anti-graft agency for alleged fraud and corrupt enrichment while in office.
According to his media office, which announced the development in a statement on Wednesday, the decision was made after consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.
“The former Governor, who has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process.
“The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing. It is important for the former Governor to now honour the invitation of the EFCC to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.
“The former Governor believes firmly in the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic development and supports the fight against corruption in the country.
“It is on record that he was the first Governor of Kogi State to put in place an anti-corruption mechanism to check graft and ensure that the resources of the State work for the people of the State.
“He was accompanied to the EFCC Headquarters by high-profile Nigerians.
“It is our hope that the Commission will be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Details of his engagement with the operatives of the Anti-Graft Agency will be disclosed later,” the statement read.
