4th October, 2024
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have expressed deep concern over former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello’s repeated refusal to appear before the court regarding N80 billion fraud allegations.
Despite multiple summons and arrest warrants issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Bello has continually evaded legal proceedings, a move the CSOs warn could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s democratic integrity.
The CSOs argue that by disregarding court orders, Bello is not only setting a dangerous precedent but also sending a negative message to investors and young Nigerians.
They caution that such actions undermine the rule of law and could deter foreign investment while weakening the fight against corruption.
Human rights activists raised these concerns after a Federal High Court in Abuja publicly summoned Bello, instructing the EFCC to paste the order on his last known address in Maitama, Abuja.
According to the Centre for Social and Economic Rights (CSER), the EFCC’s efforts to hold Bello accountable should be applauded, but the former governor’s resistance paints a troubling picture for Nigeria’s democracy.
Nelson Ekujumi, Executive Director of CSER, criticized Bello’s behaviour, warning that his defiance could inspire similar attitudes among the youth, who may view this as acceptable leadership behavior.
“It’s a sad day for our democracy when a former governor, entrusted with public office, blatantly defies the constitution and avoids scrutiny. This sends the wrong message to our youth—that leadership is a platform for lawlessness rather than responsibility and respect for the law,” Ekujumi stated.
Emeka Onwuka, a young human rights activist, also voiced his concerns, noting that Bello’s actions cast doubt on Nigeria’s commitment to transparency and accountability, particularly in the eyes of potential investors.
He highlighted the crucial role of the EFCC in combating corruption and warned that powerful political figures like Bello evading scrutiny threatens the institution’s effectiveness.
“Bello’s tactics reflect a troubling trend where politicians see themselves as above the law. This erodes public trust and fuels cynicism towards the government. If figures like Bello can sidestep legal scrutiny, what hope is there for ordinary offenders?” Onwuka remarked, adding that such actions risk normalizing impunity in Nigerian politics.
The CSOs warned that if influential figures continue to resist accountability, the public’s faith in Nigeria’s justice system could suffer, potentially leading to a culture where financial crimes go unchecked and the rule of law is weakened.
