By Yahaya Idris, Lokoja
The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the frequent harassment of former Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello by the EFCC, citing concerns over selective justice under his administration.
At a Townhall meeting organized by Mrs. Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Community Engagement for the North Central region, a professor of political science stated that perceived selective justice is a major trigger of anger among Nigerians.
Prof. Ogbo, who spoke as guest speaker at the Lokoja townhall meeting on Wednesday, appealed to the federal government to demonstrate fairness and justice in its anti-corruption campaign.
The school administrator cited cases of alleged corruption in some parts of the country, specifically Rivers, Kano, and Zamfara states, and accused high-profile individuals of being celebrated as leaders by the current administration, particularly singling out Kogi and its leaders, asking, ‘Why is Kogi different?’
“We can all recall that under then Governor Nyesom Wike, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission declared the then Rivers State Accountant-General, Fubara Siminilayi, and 58 others wanted for N435 billion fraud, alleged criminal conspiracy, money laundering, misappropriation of public funds, and abuse of office.
“Today, Wike is a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria while Fubara that was declared wanted is now Governor of Rivers state. Without immunity, Minister Wike is not haunted by EFCC.
“Ex-Zamfara governor, Bello Mattawalle, accused by same EFCC over alleged N70bn money laundering, is currently the Defence Minister under same Tinubu administration.
“What about the former Governor of Kano state, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje? Despite corruption charges levelled against him, he currently sits as the National Chairman of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“So, we make bold to ask, why is the case involving former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state different?,” he queried.
Many participants at the town hall meeting concurred with Prof Salisu’s submissions, expressing the opinion that selective justice is rampant under the current administration.
The group called for Bello to be treated equally to former governors and for the EFCC to conduct itself impartially, transparently, and professionally.
According to Prof Salisu Ogbo, President Bola Tinubu’s policies to rebuild the nation are commendable, however, he stressed that unaddressed hunger will hinder Nigerians from fully embracing his vision.
Speaking to newsmen after the town hall meeting, Prof. Salisu Ogbo stressed that ‘Nigerians are hungry; there’s no doubt about it. No matter how good President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies are, Nigerians won’t appreciate them while struggling to find food.’
“Benjamin Franklin once said ‘it is hard for an empty bag to stand upright’. This is so true and profound. Fixed the issue of hunger and see how fast Nigerians will join hands with the President to move the nation forward.”
Mrs. Essiet, the President’s Senior Special Assistant for Community Engagement in the North Central region, initiated ‘Citizens’ Assembly’ to resolve community problems and build a more inclusive society.
Mrs. Essiet stated that the citizens’ assembly was established to collectively address community problems and promote an inclusive society where every voice is heard.
