On Monday, May 21, 2024, a group of indigenes from Kogi State and some Nigerians under the aegis of the "Alliance For Emancipation and True Change" staged a peaceful protest in London. The protest was aimed at expressing their support for the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who is currently facing corruption allegations.
The protesters, who gathered in front of the Nigerian High Commission in London, carried placards with various inscriptions, such as "EFCC, Stop Political Persecution," "Yahaya Bello is Innocent," and "We Stand with Yahaya Bello." They urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) remains neutral and free from political interference.
According to the group, the EFCC has given the impression of political persecution to Nigerians and the international community. They emphasized the importance of a fair and just prosecution process, in line with the rule of law, and condemned the alleged use of the EFCC by politicians to intimidate and harass perceived opponents.
Speaking at the procession, the Publicity Secretary of the Alliance For Emancipation and True Change, Dr. Shaibu Ojogbane, and the Director of Research & Public Affairs, Chukwunonso Ezeani, restated the alliance's support for the government's anti-corruption efforts. However, they called for greater oversight to prevent selective justice and abuse of human rights.
The group noted that the protest against the former Governor was sponsored by the opposition in the state, indicating desperation on their part. They pointed out that at least one of the opposition candidates is currently in London. Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello has reiterated his readiness to answer questions regarding his period of leadership in Kogi state, but he demands that the rule of law be adhered to.
The group stated that it is glaring that the commission is serving the interests of some powerful Nigerians beyond the eye meets. Therefore, they called on the President to intervene swiftly to prevent further damage to the government's reputation and ensure the EFCC operates with integrity and impartiality.
The protesters also alleged that the opposition has continued to ride on the activities of the anti-graft agency to malign Bello by sponsoring ethnic onslaught against him even outside the country. They deemed it important to stage a peaceful protest on the side of justice so that Nigerians are not misled by a few people.
However, the protesters demanded that the EFCC must be called to order without delay to prevent selective justice and abuse of human rights. They trust that President Tinubu will act swiftly to prevent further damage to the government's reputation and ensure the EFCC operates with integrity and impartiality.
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