Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to broaden its investigations beyond former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Frank’s plea comes in light of the EFCC’s efforts to apprehend and prosecute Bello for alleged corruption.
Speaking in Abuja, Frank emphasized the need for the EFCC to extend its probe to include other individuals accused of corruption, particularly former governors, ministers, and public officials associated with both past and present administrations.
He urged the Commission to ensure equal scrutiny to avoid the perception of a selective witch hunt.
He stated, “We commend the EFCC for its efforts in pursuing Yahaya Bello’s prosecution. However, we urge the agency to also investigate other former governors, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, whose alleged corrupt practices have been reported to the EFCC.
“Otherwise, their efforts to apprehend Bello and bring him to trial would appear to be a deliberate and malicious witch hunt simply because he contested the Presidential primary election of the APC against Bola Tinubu.
“Furthermore, we have yet to witness the arrest of several allegedly corrupt public officials who served under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, despite petitions against them before the EFCC. These individuals include former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom; former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu; former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, among others.
“Additionally, there are those like former personal assistant to President Buhari, Tunde Sabiu; former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Bashir Jamoh; immediate past Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Muhammad Nami; the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Dr. Mele Kyari; and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who remain unprosecuted.
“Similarly, former Minister of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Zainab Ahmed; former Director General of the Nigerian Ports Authority and current aide to President Tinubu, Hadiza Bala Usman; former Governor of Ebonyi State and present Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; and former security chiefs who are the subject of petitions before the EFCC continue to evade prosecution.”
Frank underscored the significance of bringing these individuals to trial to demonstrate that the EFCC’s actions against Bello are not politically motivated.
READ ALSO: Lawyers Protest at Supreme Court, Slam EFCC for Targeting, Witch-hunting Yahaya Bello
He added: “Someone like Wike has a petition against him before the EFCC, but they have never invited him to defend allegations against him. Is it because some of these people supported and campaigned for Tinubu to emerge President in 2023 that makes them untouchable?”
He urged the Commission to show the same level of commitment in addressing allegations against all accused individuals
While acknowledging the EFCC’s positive step in prosecuting Bello, Frank reiterated the need for the Commission to broaden its investigations and ensure accountability across the board.
