The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a resounding call for former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to immediately submit himself to the scrutiny of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in light of ongoing investigations into alleged financial impropriety. Bello’s reluctance to cooperate, HURIWA asserted, risks not only undermining the rule of law but also perpetuating an image of impunity that tarnishes Nigeria’s international reputation.
In a statement released to the press, HURIWA emphasized the fundamental principle of accountability that underpins any functioning democracy. “In most democratic societies,” the statement reads, “individuals accused of any wrongdoing are expected to fully cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and uphold the integrity of the legal process. Innocence should never fear investigation, and evasion only serves to cast doubt on one’s claims of innocence.”
While urging Bello to heed the summons of the EFCC, HURIWA also commended the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for refraining from overt political interference in the investigative activities of the anti-graft agency. The organization sees this as a positive sign of the government’s commitment to combating the pervasive scourge of corruption that has plagued Nigeria for far too long. However, HURIWA cautioned against complacency, noting that the handling of Bello’s case would serve as a litmus test for the government’s sincerity in its anti-corruption crusade.
Nevertheless, HURIWA expressed concerns about how EFCC operatives have conducted themselves in recent times, particularly regarding their penchant for over-dramatization. “We urge the EFCC to refrain from turning legitimate law enforcement activities into theatrical spectacles reminiscent of Nollywood movies,” the statement admonished. “Such theatrics not only undermine the seriousness of the anti-corruption fight but also risk trivializing the very real harm caused by corruption to ordinary Nigerians.”
In addition to addressing Bello’s case, HURIWA called on the EFCC to redirect its focus towards tackling the root causes of corruption in Nigeria, particularly within the political class. “While we support efforts to hold accountable those who have plundered public resources,” the statement read, “we urge the EFCC to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of high-profile cases involving politicians and government officials implicated in procurement-related corruption.”
Moreover, HURIWA criticized what it perceived as a misallocation of resources by the EFCC, highlighting the agency’s preoccupation with minor infractions such as currency abuse at the expense of more egregious offenses. “The EFCC must resist the temptation to chase clout and instead concentrate its efforts on pursuing those responsible for systemic corruption and economic sabotage,” the statement emphasized.
While HURIWA acknowledged the judiciary’s role in upholding the rule of law, it cautioned against judicial interference that could undermine law enforcement agencies’ effectiveness. “Courts must refrain from issuing contradictory orders that impede the EFCC’s mandate to investigate and prosecute corruption,” the statement warned. “Judicial overreach not only undermines the credibility of the judiciary but also jeopardizes Nigeria’s national security and economic interests.”
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In conclusion, HURIWA reiterated its call for Yahaya Bello to cooperate with the EFCC and urged the government to refrain from politicizing anti-corruption efforts. The organization emphasized the need for the EFCC to adopt a more focused and judicious approach to combating corruption while urging the judiciary to exercise restraint in its dealings with law enforcement agencies.
