Northern based groups, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and the Inter-Tribal Association of Nigeria (ITAN) said they have closely observed the events unfolding in Kogi State since the inception of the current administration and noted with utter perplexity and concern, the unrelenting disturbances created by certain interest groups, specifically an alleged continued persecution of former governor Yahaya Bello.
They groups also averred that the embers of this persistent intimidation and harassment of the former governor were ignited and incessantly fanned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), under the pretext of conducting a “fictitious investigation into unsubstantiated and baseless allegations against him.”
A statement by the president general of the forum, Alhaji Yerima Shettima said, the forum finds these actions wholly unacceptable and call on the EFCC to act in a fair and unbiased manner.
According to Shettima, as the representatives of various interest groups from Northern Nigeria, “the AYCF has carefully watched and studied these events with considerable restraint and maturity and in order to facilitate a peaceful atmosphere, has condoned and accommodated several unreasonable and unacceptable actions carried out by the EFCC, a government agency that is supposed to be fair and just in its dealings.”
He posited however that the AYCF believes that there is a limit to such tolerance, stressing that matters have now reached a point where “silence becomes complicity and inaction is no longer an option,” adding that the forum is compelled to caution the EFCC to be more professional and unbiased in the discharge of its functions.
Shettima restated the commitment of AYCF to fostering peace and unity in Northern Nigeria and therefore called on all stakeholders to support the AYCF’s stance in urging the EFCC to embrace fairness and professionalism in the discharge of its responsibilities.
A similar statement by the publicity secretary of ITAN, Amb Ibrahim Tanimu said, people like former Governor Bello with impeccable records should not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency, adding that “it is essential that we stand up against such witch-hunts and demand a system that upholds fairness and due process for all.”
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