By Taiye Agbaje
Officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday attacked and chased away some Kogi youths who had stormed the commission’s headquarters in support of ex-Governor Yahaya Bello over alleged political persecution.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there were two protests at the EFCC headquarters on Monday with one allegedly organised by members of the opposition party in the state, in support of the EFCC, and the other in support of Bello.
While a protest in support of the anti-graft agency, organised by Kogi Conscience Movement, went on peacefully, the other, which demanded that rule of law be respected in the trial of the former governor, was interrupted by the officers.
Some of the aggrieved protesters under the auspices of Kogi Youth Coalition, who spoke to newsmen, however expressed disappointment over the development.
The leader of the group, Otitoleke Richard, alleged that EFCC had finally fueled suspicion in many quarters that the purported rally in support of the commission was sponsored by the agency.
Richard, said: “We are here this morning at the headquarters of EFCC in Abuja, addressing a topical national issue that has to do with the rule of law, the defence of democratic governance in Nigeria.
“We have been intimidated, we have been harassed. The EFCC is saying we do not have the right to express our opinion on national issues.
“We have been shot at; they have used their stick to beat ordinary Nigerians that are harmless.
“We’re saying the rule of law must be applied in all corruption files. You cannot fight corruption with lawlessness.”
A member of the group, who simply identified himself as Malik, said it was unfortunate that peaceful protests that were a right of every Nigerian had now been made selective by the commission.
“Why didn’t they attempt to disperse the other group that protested against the former Governor?
“Nigerians should not be fooled to think anybody is fighting any corruption.
“They just want him (Bello) out. Period. But we are saying they can’t disgrace him.
“Yahaya Bello has done more than any governor for us in Kogi State and all these people know.
“This will not make us;to be afraid of asking for our rights. We will continue,” he said.
Abdulmajid Wahab, another member of the group, alleged that the security operatives destroyed one bus and impounded two others.
According to Wahab, they (the officers) said the leader of the protest should come and bail the two vehicles.
At least 10 people were alleged to have been arrested among the pro-Yahaya Bello protesters, and some injured.
All efforts to have a chat with the leadership of the Kogi Conscience Movement, were unsuccessful.
(NAN)
