I willingly surrendered to EFCC because Tinubu, rule of law - ex-gov Yahaya Bello

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The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, said he surrendered himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, because of his respect for President Bola Tinubu and his administration’s anti-corruption fight.

The ex-governor also said he came out because of respect for the rule of law.

Bello, after a prolonged refusal to honour the EFCC’s invitation over alleged corruption, finally went to the anti-graft agency’s office in company of his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.

In a statement on Wednesday by Yahaya Bello’s Media office Director, Ohiare Michael, Bello said he “willingly surrendered to the anti-graft agency because the former Kogi governor has great respect for the rule of law and supports President Tinubu’s fight against corruption in the country.”

According to the statement, “This decision was made after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.

“The former Governor, who has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights to ensure due process.

“The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing.

“It is important for the former Governor to now honour the invitation of the EFCC to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.

“The former Governor believes firmly in the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic development and supports the fight against corruption in the country.

“It is on record that he was the first Governor of Kogi State to put in place an anti-corruption mechanism to check graft and ensure that the resources of the State work for the people of the State.”