Former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is allegedly afraid of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) due to his involvement in various corrupt practices. Bello’s fear is said to stem from his association with influential politician Bola Tinubu, the late Abubakar Audu, and the controversial circumstances surrounding Audu’s death.
In 2015, during Audu’s bid for re-election as Kogi State governor, he reached out to Tinubu for financial support. Audu and Tinubu had an agreement that Tinubu would nominate a successor once Audu won the election. However, shortly after their victory, Audu mysteriously passed away, sparking rumors of foul play.
Amidst the confusion, key political figures quickly capitalized on the situation, denying Audu’s running mate, Rep Faleke, his rightful place as deputy governor. Yahaya Bello, who was chosen as a replacement candidate by the All Progressives Congress (APC), allegedly played a crucial role in the denial of Faleke’s appointment.
According to sources, Bello was aware of the pact between Audu and Tinubu but refused to accept Faleke as his deputy. This decision not only angered Tinubu but also raised suspicions that Bello may have been manipulated by powerful individuals to prevent Faleke from assuming office.
As a result, Bello now finds himself concerned about a potential vendetta from those who feel wronged by his actions. Moreover, being closely associated with Tinubu and his political ambitions adds to his worries about facing a fair trial.
This raises questions about the EFCC’s priorities. With other prominent politicians, such as Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, facing serious corruption allegations, one may wonder why the anti-graft agency appears to be focusing more on Bello. Critics argue that the EFCC should instead concentrate its efforts on public figures with more substantial evidence against them.
Given these circumstances, Bello’s options seem limited. One possibility is for him to align himself with like-minded politicians in the north, who are also adamant about removing Tinubu from the political scene in 2027. It is suggested that Bello could seek the support of influential figures like Governor Nasir El Rufai.
Alternatively, Bello may consider seeking asylum in one of the foreign embassies in Nigeria until Tinubu’s influence diminishes. This would allow him to submit himself to a fair and non-vindictive trial in the future.
In light of these developments, it is crucial for politics in Nigeria to move away from personal vendettas and focus on creating a fair and just system. Only then can the country progress and tackle corruption effectively.
