Tinubu Advised on How to Handle Yahaya Bello vs EFCC Case: "Avoid Direct Intervention"

Tinubu Advised on How to Handle Yahaya Bello vs EFCC Case: "Avoid Direct Intervention"

  • APC chieftain Obidike Chukwuebuka advised President Tinubu against intervening in the case between former Kogi state governor Yahaya Bello and the EFCC over alleged N80.2 billion fraud
  • Chukwuebuka stressed the importance of maintaining the EFCC's independence and upholding the rule of law
  • The APC chieftain recommended that the president support a speedy and fair investigation instead of direct intervention

Legit.ng journalist Nurudeen Lawal has 8 years of experience covering political campaigns and elections

FCT, Abuja—Obidike Chukwuebuka, a member of Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has cautioned against President Bola Tinubu's intervention in the ongoing case between former Kogi state governor Yahaya Bello and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Chukwuebuka spoke exclusively with Legit.ng on the former Kogi governor's alleged N80.2 billion fraud.

Read also

2027 presidency: APC chieftain lists 5 reasons Atiku and Wike should reconcile

Tinubu and Yahaya Bello/EFCC/APC
APC chieftain Obidike Chukwuebuka said President Tinubu should not intervene in the case between former Kogi state governor Yahaya Bello and the EFCC. Photo credit: Alhaji Yahaya Bello
Source: Facebook

While acknowledging the president's authority to intervene, Chukwuebuka emphasised the need to consider the potential implications of such action.

EFCC vs Bello: Tinubu advised against direct intervention

Chukwuebuka outlined arguments for and against intervention, highlighting the importance of maintaining the EFCC's independence and upholding the rule of law.

Chukwuebuka recommended that President Tinubu avoid direct intervention and instead encourage a speedy and fair investigation, support the EFCC's anti-corruption efforts, and respect the judicial process.

This approach, he believes, would demonstrate the President's commitment to the rule of law and the fight against corruption while avoiding perceived political interference.

The EFCC vs Bello case has sparked debate about the balance between political resolution and the independence of anti-corruption agencies.

Read also

JUST IN: EFCC grills Kwankwaso, NNPP top officials over alleged N2.5bn fraud

The EFCC is investigating Governor Bello over alleged financial misconduct, prompting a standoff between the two parties. The outcome may set a precedent for future cases involving high-ranking officials.

"To maintain the integrity of the legal process and the independence of the EFCC, it's recommended that President Tinubu avoids direct intervention," Chukwuebuka told Legit.ng.

Read more about EFCC vs Yahaya Bello case

Yahaya Bello deserves fair hearing, Kogi youths beg EFCC

Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that a coalition of civil society organisations and Kogi youths, under the Kogi Youth Renaissance Movement (KYRM), urged the EFCC to conduct a fair and impartial investigation without resorting to media trials and propaganda.

Additionally, they called on international communities to promptly intervene in the case against the former governor of Kogi state.

Read also

Alleged N2.5bn fraud: EFCC begins probe against Kwankwaso over pension mismanagement, details emerge

The call was made by Ayanwale Idris, the convener of the Coalition, and Dr Ben Uguche, National Coordinator of KYRM, at a press on Saturday, May 25, in Abuja.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Nurudeen Lawal avatar

Nurudeen Lawal (Head of Politics and Current Affairs Desk) Nurudeen Lawal is an AFP-certified journalist with a wealth of experience spanning over 8 years. He received his B/Arts degree in Literature-in-English from OAU. Lawal is the Head of the Politics/CA Desk at Legit.ng, where he applies his expertise to provide incisive coverage of events. He was named the Political Desk Head of the Year (Nigeria Media Nite-Out Award 2023). He is also a certified fact-checker (Dubawa fellowship, 2020). Contact him at lawal.nurudeen@corp.legit.ng or +2347057737768.