Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has forcefully refuted allegations leveled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The accusations pertain to the diversion of government funds for his children’s school fees, and Bello categorically brands them as defamatory.
In a statement released today, Bello asserted his innocence, emphasizing that he did not utilize any public funds for personal purposes. He further challenged the veracity of the EFCC’s claims, calling for a thorough investigation to clear his name.
The statement, titled “Payment of School Fees: Setting the Records Straight,” reads: “On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, in conduct which we view as unbecoming of a legal practitioner, organized a press conference where he alleged (amongst other outrightly defamatory statements) that His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, withdrew cash from the Kogi State Government account, sent the same to Bureau De Change operators, and then used it to pay the school fees of his children in advance” .
The controversy centers around an alleged misuse of state resources. Bello’s tenure as governor has been under scrutiny, and this recent development adds to the political tension in Kogi State.
The EFCC, on its part, has yet to formally charge Bello. However, the agency’s inclusion of his name in an ongoing corruption case has sparked public interest and raised questions about transparency and accountability.
As the legal battle unfolds, Nigerians closely watch how this high-profile case will impact Bello’s reputation and the broader discourse on financial integrity in public office.
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