By Correspondent in Abuja
Former Kogi State governorship aspirant and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Joseph Erico, has called on Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to maintain professionalism and avoid selective prosecution.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Erico urged the EFCC to act impartially, particularly in its investigation of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
Erico expressed concern over the ongoing scrutiny of Bello, which has sparked widespread reactions.
He emphasized that the EFCC’s actions seem to contradict its core mission, especially since the current Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has publicly stated that no funds were lost during Bello’s tenure.
Drawing an analogy, Erico said, “This is like offering condolences for a loss that never occurred. The current governor has clearly said no money is missing, so what is the EFCC investigating?”
He called on the anti-graft agency to allow Bello to move on, given that he has been exonerated by the state government. Erico also pointed out the EFCC’s inconsistency, noting that several former governors with corruption cases continue to move freely without being harassed.
As a former Kogi governorship aspirant, Erico praised Yahaya Bello’s achievements during his eight years in office. “Go to Kogi State and see the transformation for yourself,” he said.
Erico highlighted several of Bello’s accomplishments, including the construction of a world-class reference hospital in Okene and the establishment of primary healthcare centers across all 21 local government areas.
The party chieftain also praised Bello’s infrastructure developments, notably the construction of Kogi State’s first-ever flyover at Ganaja Junction, which has significantly reduced road accidents in the area.
In the field of education, Erico commended Bello for establishing two new state universities—Confluence University of Technology in Osara and Kogi State University in Kabba—both of which are fully operational. He further noted that Bello upgraded secondary education by building model schools with modern facilities across the state’s three senatorial districts.
Erico called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, arguing that the case against Bello appears more like persecution than a legitimate prosecution.
