society

Is Yahaya Bello the Sinner or the Sinned Against?* By Smart Origbo

Published

5 months ago

April 29, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Governor Yahaya Bello Reveals His Preferred Successor

Is Yahaya Bello the Sinner or the Sinned Against?

By Smart Origbo

For unsavoury reasons, the story of the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Mr Yahaya Bello has literally seized the media space in the country, week-in, week-out.

The hide -and seek game between Bello and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), blew open a forthnight ago when the anti-graft agency decided to “catch” Bello right in his house at the Wuse district in Abuja.

The agency had barricaded the street forbidding even residents from entering or exiting the street. The planned arrest turned a fiasco as the sitting Kogi State governor, Governor Usman Ododo was alleged to have nestled Yahaya Bello into his car and driven him out of the vicinity, basking in the immunity that covers him and even his car.
Ever since then, the polity had been agog with the issue of Bello. Opinions have been divided whether or not the former Kogi governor is the sinner or the one sinned against.

The way the EFCC has presented Yahaya Bello to the polity, with all the accompanying drama, is that Bello is a thief who must be stripped at the market square for maximum shame. But those who are more circumspect and critical in criminal procedures have faulted the approach of the EFCC.
Those who so believe, argue that the EFCC has breached the due process in an attempt to hastily humiliate the former governor, having pasted on him the tag of a crooked thief, without allowing the court to do so.

Perhaps it is in the fear that this may happen that the former governor had secured a court order forbidding the anti-graft agency from arresting or harassing him. But the EFCC in believing that Yahaya Bello has a case to answer, had appealed against that order. While the appeal is yet to be heard, the EFCC moved his men, in a gestapo fashion, to go for Bello’s jugular. This happened few days to the date the said appeal by the EFCC was due to be heard in the court.

So the question arises: why the haste to breach legal due process on the part of the EFCC, thus causing a needless social hoopla? If the anti-graft commission was so sure that it could do as it pleases, regardless of the provisions of the law, then why did it bother going to court to vacate the order stopping it from inviting, arresting or harassing Bello? Yes, nobody (including Yahaya Bello) is above the law, but is the EFCC above the law?

It is doubly tragic and ironical that the EFCC is currently being run and headed by Ola Olukoyede, a lawyer of over 22 years experience. So, which part of the law he read permits him to pre-empt the pronouncement of the court by deciding to do as he wants, regardless of constitutionally laid down procedure?

Indeed, even if the EFCC had a good case against Bello, the way and manner it has gone about it has despoiled the case fundamentally. And this prosecutorial incapacity is one reason the EFCC had lost many of its good cases in the past. Does the EFCC need to be schooled on the basic ethos of the law which pays great attention to, not what done, but how done?Little wonder that the EFCC has, on its own accord, now withdrawn the appeal against the court injunction restraining the EFCC from arresting Bello, allegedly on the grounds that events have overtaken the appeal. What events have overtaken it? A sham claim!

It is even more curious to know that the same EFCC Chairman is a Pastor. As a senior clergy man, his actions both in private and public appearances should, like Ceaser’s wife, be above board. But sadly, this outing of Pastor Olukoyede is shamefully dirtied by procedural impropriety, fueling suspicion that his actions are politically motivated. A case of the voice of Jacob and the hands of Esau.

What is more? In all the back-and-forth of the matter, the EFCC has not been able to prove that it actually formally invited Bello for questioning over the pending allegations of money laundering. The closest to this was when the EFCC chairman, himself recently said he had put a call to Bello inviting him to his office for interrogation. No formal letter of invitation was ever sent to him. What if it is not true that Olukoyede is not telling the whole truth? It is certain that if the EFCC had formally invited Yahaya Bello, they would have long circulated the letter on the social media.

Did the EFCC not breach the process by suddenly sending its men to arrest Bello without formally inviting him for questioning? Even a suspected criminal, with bloody hands, is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. This is what the law prescribes. Mr Olukoyede should know this. Neither he nor the EFCC can be a judge in their own case. It is when this process is duly followed that prosecution is not seen as persecution.

Even if indeed, Bello is a sinner and has some questions to answer, the EFCC has turned him to a man more sinned against by seemingly bungling the prosecution procedure. Justice and the route to it must be freed from emotion, propaganda and media trial. Until the EFCC learns to follow due process, its actions and inactions will continue to smell political.

Its best antidote is strict adherence to the rule of law.The EFCC cannot resort to self-help by side-stepping the provisions of the law. It must show its committed adherence to legal and judicial due process in securing convictions of accused persons.

The EFCC had furthered its affront on propriety by demanding the refund of the so-called school fees paid by Bello for his children in an Abuja high-nitch school. The school allegedly refunded the said fees which were paid in dollars, out of the intimidation tendencies of EFCC. The EFCC has a case with Yahaya Bello, not the school. So, coercing the school to refund the fees paid is clear case of institutional bullying.

In all, the law in any society is put in place to shield the citizenry from any form of political or institutional thralldom and so the EFCC, no matter how important and needed its role(s) might be in getting the system to function effectively, must be seen to be doing the right things at the right time and in the right way. Anything short of that will be a perfect prescription for chaos and crisis.

*Origbo is a lawyer and public affairs analyst*

Related Topics:Featured politics Yahaya Bello

Up Next

Emerging Nollywood Actress, Lawrence Valerie Ebere, is an entertainer per excellence, she is also a model, dancer, and content creator

Don't Miss

Yoruba Week: Sanwo-Olu’s Administration Writes Lagos Assembly

Sahara Weekly

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

society

EID-EL-MAULUD: Chief Amuzu Urges Muslims to Embrace Peace, Love, and Tolerance*

Published

4 hours ago

September 16, 2024

Sahara Weekly

EID-EL-MAULUD: Chief Amuzu Urges Muslims to Embrace Peace, Love, and Tolerance

A renowned leader and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Chief Toyin Amuzu has emphasized the need for Muslims and all Nigerians to reflect on Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) teachings and its relevance in today’s world, stressing the importance of peace, love, and tolerance at all times.

The advice was contained in a press statement released in Abeokuta, as Muslims in Nigeria celebrate Eid-el-Maulud, commemorating the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Chief Toyin Amuzu who congratulated the Muslim community noted that the Prophet’s life remains a timeless model for humanity, transcending religious and cultural boundaries, and called on Muslims to recommit themselves to the ideals of justice, compassion, and mutual respect.

He appealed for unity among Nigerians, warning that division along religious, ethnic, or political lines could hinder the nation’s progress.

The Asiwaju-Leragun Egba who prayed for continued blessings, guidance, and protection for all citizens, reiterated his commitment to the welfare of the people and dedication to the socio-economic development of Egbaland.

Chief Amuzu also urged cooperation and prayers for the country’s leaders to lead with wisdom and justice.

society

Grab Dr Chris Okafor Prophetic declaration for the 3rd week of September 2024

Published

4 hours ago

September 16, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Grab Dr Chris Okafor Prophetic declaration for the 3rd week of September 2024

….. Unusual favour shall come your way this week…okafor

Popular Lagos Prophet Dr Chris Okafor of Grace Nation global has made some powerful Prophetic declarations for the third week of the month of September 2024.

The lead Pastor Grace Nation world-wide Popularly known as The Generational Prophet of God Dr Chris Okafor declared that if you believe every resistance that resists you last week is clear from your way this week as you serve your God in truth and in spirit this week.

The clergyman also declared that this week you will wax stronger, and your life will continue to move forward, where you fail last week, this week you shall prosper ,divine help will come your way, the door that did not open last week is open for you this week, Your net will catch plenty fish this week.

Almighty God will Protect and defend you throughout this week, so shall it be, The Generational Prophet of God Dr Chris Okafor declared.

It will be recalled that the Apostle of alters and Generational Prophet of God Dr Chris Okafor is a Servant of God blessed with the words of salvation and Accurate prophecy, also gifted with the spirit of Humanitarian services.

Currently over 2000 widows are beneficiary of his monthly food support, also over 1500 less privileged students are on his scholarships scheme under the Chris Okafor humanity foundation.

The Man of God has also provided his immediate community with good water (boreholes), The Generational Prophet of God also constructs Roads around the Church for it community uses.

Join Dr Chris Okafor at any of the church Service at the international Headquarters of Grace Nation world-wide aka Liberation City in oshofisan street by Ereke Bus stop Ojodu Berger Lagos Nigeria for a Prophetic encounter and your life will never remain the same.

Entertainment

Ajia Marks His Birthday With Message of Encouragement to Nigerians

Published

1 day ago

September 15, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Ajia Marks His Birthday With Message of Encouragement to Nigerians

Asks Nigerians to Take Charge of Their Destiny

Drops hashtag #NigeriaWeDeserve

Sahara Weekly Reports That The President/CEO of Funab Group of Companies Ltd, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, marks his 45th birthday with a strong call for credible leadership that can harness Nigeria’s vast potentials for prosperity.

The call was made in his birthday message, released by his Director of Communications, Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan. In his message, Ajia emphasized the urgent need for sociopolitical and economic reforms to address the myriad of challenges facing the nation towards paving the way for a brighter future for all Nigerians.

With a firm belief in the transformative power of effective governance and sustainable economic development, Ajia firmly believes that the problems the nation is facing are surmountable, maintaining that the problems are primarily sociopolitical and economic in nature, as such if adequately and effectively addressed would bring succour to the people.

Furthermore, Ajia highlighted the importance of cohesive and strategic interventions to steer the nation towards sustainable development.

“As I celebrate my birthday, I present to you a vision for a Nigeria that thrives on the principles of justice, accountability, and inclusive growth,”.

Ajia pointed out that the solution to Nigeria’s problems lies in leadership while expressing deep concerns on the quality, sincerity, commitment, and patriotism of those in leadership positions. Ajia, however, urged citizens not to be overwhelmed but rather take charge of their own destiny.

The Ilorin-born politician said, “We still have the power to make things better for ourselves, our families, and our communities, despite leadership challenges. We must raise our voices, take action, and work together to build a better Nigeria.”

He called on Nigerians, especially the people of Kwara State, to embrace their collective power and strive for positive change.

Ajia’s message resonates with many, as the country faces numerous challenges.

Funab President urges Nigerians to raise their voices on issues affecting their communities, take action through volunteerism and community service, support local businesses and initiatives that can promote development while embracing their collective power to work together for positive change.

He therefore advised Nigerians to share their thoughts and ideas on how to build a better Nigeria using the hashtag #NigeriaWeDeserve. “Let us work together to create a brighter future for all.”

As a respected business leader and philanthropist, Ajia’s commitment to Nigeria’s development is evident. His birthday serves as a reminder that individuals can make a difference and contribute to the country’s growth.

Ajia’s vision for a prosperous future hinges on the collective efforts of all Nigerians, and he calls for unity and collaboration across sectors to implement these solutions effectively.

With a clear roadmap for progress and prosperity, Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment where transformation and growth are within reach, awaiting the unwavering dedication and concerted action of its leaders and citizens alike.