Buildup to Yahaya Bello’s battle with EFCC
The strongman of Kogi politics and former Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, has been entangled in a messy battle with Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of graft and counter accusation of political witch-hunt. In this piece, Seun Aeuyi traces factors behind the face-off that is threatening the political foundation […]
The strongman of Kogi politics and former Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, has been entangled in a messy battle with Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of graft and counter accusation of political witch-hunt. In this piece, Seun Aeuyi traces factors behind the face-off that is threatening the political foundation of the State and the nation at large.
THE ISSUES
Shortly after handing over power on the 27th January, 2024, former Governor Yahaya Bello was alleged by the EFCC to have stolen over 80 billion naira in September 2015, four months before he officially took over power as Governor of the State.
Nigerians were shocked at the figures and timing bandied and Bello’s lawyers approached a State High Court to protect him from being arrested by the EFCC. The court granted an interim injunction, pending the determination of the substantive suit. Miffed by the action of Bello against it, the agency swiftly filed an appeal before an Appeal Court to vacate the interim injunction.
While awaiting the determination of the appeal and given that the State High Court had granted the prayers of Bello in its ruling on the substantive suit, the agency moved to arrest the former Governor in his Abuja home. While lawyers have been at loggerheads as to the propriety or otherwise of the action, the agency decided to withdraw its suit before the Appeal Court and went ahead to amend the charges against the former Governor by saying the 80 billion naira stolen was done in February 2016, less than three weeks into Bello’s first term in office.
Many lawyers, including Senior Advocates of Nigeria are bewildered as to how the anti-graft agency will successfully prosecute a case that is “standing on one leg” ab-initio.
In the midst of the confusion are dotted claims that the incumbent Governor, a protege of Bello was responsible for “sneaking” the former Governor out of his Wuse residence. The agency threatened to deal with persons who obstruct its operations.
It is clear that there are more questions than answers surrounding the EFCC-Bello debacle. So what are the factors behind the travail of the man reputed to be the White Lion?
REFUSAL TO STEP DOWN AT THE APC PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY OF 2022
In the build up to the APC Presidential Primary in 2022, Bello was one of what pundits described as the major gladiators. He went into the contest with the face of the Nigerian youth and his campaign gathered undeniable momentum before the political dynamics favoured power rotation to the South.
Despite joining the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (ABAT) train after the primary and even aligning with some governors to repudiate the political machinations of the CBN policies against the possible emergence of the incumbent President, there are reports that some elements around the President felt he didn’t “bow” on time, hence the need to “punish” him, using the EFCC.
The travails of Bello was also said to have been supported by a powerful official around the President who is eyeing the Presidency in 2031. The present brickbats between Bello and the EFCC is believed to be fueled by politics.
SUSPICIONS THAT BELLO IS BEING PREPARED AS APC CHAIRMAN
Shortly before the expiration of his tenure, there were hush voices by some elements within the party to drag the former Governor into the politics of the national chairmanship of the party. It is believed that the slot of the Chairmanship of the party was that of the North Central and given his track records, he will be a strong force to drive the party to victory in 2027.
But before Bello could even be approached with the proposal, camp of the incumbent National Chairman was said to have moved swiftly to join forces with anti-Bello elements to whittle down the latter’s political influence and portray him as a corrupt politician incapable of leading the party.
CABINET RESHUFFLING
With the lackluster performance of some Ministers, there are palpable fears that cabinet reshuffling is imminent. Some of the Ministers who have not done well have decided to stave off possible threats from outside the cabinet by hounding them with EFCC harassment and mudslinging.
FIGHT FOR THE SOUL OF KOGI POLITICS
The emergence of Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo as Kogi State Governor is a big factor in the move against Bello. Those against Bello are determined not to allow him control Kogi politics in the build up to the 2031 poll.
Those forces, though in the ruling All Progressives Congress are working with some opposition elements in the State to demystify Bello. Part of the plan according to sources, was to manipulate the Election Petition Tribunal to remove Ododo and install their preferred candidate who is said to have assured the forces of support in 2027 and An incumbent Senator, is said to be fighting the battle of her life to return to the Senate in 2027 and understands the fact that a free Bello will deliver all the seats to the ruling All Progressives Congress. Political pundits are also beaming their searchlights on how the same lawyers are representing both the EFCC and the Social Democratic Party.
CONCLUSION
While the controversy around the handling of the allegations against Bello by the EFCC persists, more Nigerians have said the rule of law must not be sacrificed on the altar of politics. Yet some others have backed the anti-graft agency even though they frowned at the issue of media trial. However the face-off goes, it is definitely a test of the sanctity of the Nigerian judicial system