The Kogi State House of Assembly has officially called for the immediate removal of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman Ola Olukoyede, citing unprofessional handling of the case against former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello. The resolution was passed during a plenary session in Lokoja, where lawmakers condemned what they described as an unprovoked attack by EFCC operatives on the Kogi State Government Lodge, asserting it was an attack on both the current governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, and the people of Kogi.

Legislators accused the EFCC of attempting to assassinate both the former and current governors, emphasizing that the prolonged persecution of Bello must end. The motion for this urgent public concern was moved by Akus Lawal, the lawmaker representing Ankpa 1 state constituency, and seconded by Jacob Olawunmi from Ijumu State Constituency.

Lawmakers expressed their belief that the EFCC’s actions were aimed at humiliating and potentially harming the governors. Abu Jibril from Ajaokuta state constituency specifically called for the prosecution of the EFCC chairman, claiming his incompetence was evident in his handling of the case.

Bode Ogunmola, representing Ogori/Magongo, articulated concerns about the safety and security of governmental institutions, stating that the EFCC’s actions had created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.

Majority Leader Suleiman AbdulRazak alleged that EFCC officials had even tried to coax the former governor into allowing them to pretend to arrest him, which he characterized as an embarrassing act orchestrated by political adversaries.

The assembly unanimously condemned the EFCC’s conduct, asserting that it was not aligned with the anti-corruption mandate of the agency. They further noted that the incidents on April 17 and September 18 should be classified as assassination attempts against the former governor, representing a broader threat to the current administration.

Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Comfort Nwuchiola Egwaba criticized the EFCC’s tactics, claiming they aimed to tarnish Bello’s reputation through media trials rather than a genuine pursuit of justice.

In addition to calling for Olukoyede’s removal, the assembly passed a resolution commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his economic policies, which they believe will strengthen Nigeria’s economy.

The speaker, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Yusuf, asserted that the EFCC’s actions indicated a troubling sense of impunity, calling for a competent replacement for Olukoyede to ensure the effectiveness of the rule of law in Nigeria.

The EFCC has announced plans to arraign Bello on April 18, 2024, alongside three others on multiple counts related to money laundering, totaling over N80 billion.