The Campaign for Democracy has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to swiftly remove Ola Olukoyede from his role as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), citing his lack of competence for the position.
The respected Civil Society Organization expressed astonishment that a former governor, previously on the EFCC’s watchlist and wanted by both Nigerian security forces and Interpol, was able to visit the EFCC headquarters, wait for about three hours, and then leave without being detained or questioned.
“Rather than take any action, they simply let him go, promising to contact him later, only to issue a laughable statement claiming he remains a wanted individual,” said Comrade Ifeanyi Odili, President of the Campaign for Democracy, in a statement on Thursday.
Odili further criticized the EFCC’s reasoning, stating that the excuse given—that they couldn’t arrest the former governor because a sitting governor was with him—highlights Olukoyede’s inadequacy for the role.
This incident, according to the group, underscores why Olukoyede should be relieved of his duties immediately, as the EFCC’s handling of the situation reflects poorly on its leadership.
“Many people had castigated this man for long even though many others believed the case was mainly that of persecution. In all of this, CD did not dabble into the matter. Now that the matter has taken a dramatic turn, one that touches on democratic principles and affects the country’s image, it is pertinent for well meaning Nigerians to lend their voice.
“Associates of the former governor had been raising the alarm that his life is at risk. With the events of yesterday (Wednesday 18th September, 2024), any right thinking person would conclude that his life must be truly at risk.”
“You said you couldn’t arrest him or interrogate him in your office because his governor was there, yet you went, at night, to the official residence of the same governor in Abuja to start firing gunshots as if Nigeria is a lawless society. This is unacceptable,” he stated.
“The man, Yahaya Bello, has fulfilled all righteousness. With the turn of events that culminated in a show of shame last night, it appears the EFCC has an ulterior motive definitely different from the fight against corruption,” the CSO submitted.
EFCC had said the embattled former governor was not in the anti-graft agency’s custody.
Dele Oyewale, a spokesperson for the EFCC, stated in a statement on Wednesday that the former governor is still wanted “for alleged N80.2 billion money laundering charges.”
“Media reports today that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect. The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.
