Suspected N80bn Fraud: Protesters Demand Action On Ex-gov Bello’s Case At EFCC

SOME Nigerians, under the aegis of the Kogi Conscience Liberation Movement and the Kogi Concerned Citizens Forum, staged a demonstration on Friday at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), calling for accelerated investigations into the alleged N80 billion fraud involving the former Governor of Kogi State and other key officials.

The protest, led by Peter Onuma and Okpanachi Jacob, highlighted the severe economic consequences of corruption on the citizens of Kogi State. The demonstrators emphasized the plight of the civil service, where workers are receiving only a fraction of their rightful salaries, severely impacting the local economy.

Recalling the actions of the previous administration under ex-Governor Bello, the group pointed out the prolonged and controversial screening exercise that resulted in job losses, deaths, and widespread hardship.

Amid chants demanding justice, Onuma declared: “Our state’s economy is bleeding, and the people are suffering because of the greed and mismanagement of those in power.

“It’s a domino effect. When the workers are underpaid, the entire community suffers. The velocity of cash flow is crippled, and the hardship is palpable.

“It wasn’t just the former governor. The corruption has seeped through to the local government chairmen and financial appointees. It’s systemic.”

Reeling out their demands, Okpanachi, on his part, said, “We are asking for a thorough examination of Kogi State’s expenditures from 2016 to January 27, 2024.”

“An investigation into the former Governor of Kogi State and other corrupt officials to set a precedent for future administrations.

“An assertion that former governors should not be immuned from investigation and that the public is keenly observing the proceedings.

“An investigation into all local government chairmen involved in the corruption network. “Public disclosure of the findings from the endless screening exercise conducted by Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration.

“A comprehensive probe into all parties connected to the alleged N80 billion and N10 billion fraud cases.”
The group reaffirmed their commendation for the EFCC’s anti-corruption efforts while urging the agency to shine its investigative light on the ongoing issue of percentage salaries, suggesting that the current Kogi State administration is perpetuating past corrupt practices.

Credit: Vangaurd