The Northern Initiative for the Defense of Democracy and Justice (NIDDJ) has issued a statement urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene and hold former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello accountable for undermining state institutions.

The group, led by President Ambassador Nurudeen Musa Sadiq and Secretary Hajjia Ramatu AbdulRahaman, expressed concern over Bello’s alleged attempts to tarnish the judiciary’s reputation.

“Ex-Governor Bello is not above the law and must face justice,” the statement read. “Citizens have a right to know how their wealth was spent, and the governor has an obligation to explain his actions.”

NIDDJ warned that Bello’s behavior could lead to a dangerous precedent. “We are taking the road to Kigali,” the statement said, referring to the Rwandan genocide.

The group appealed to President Tinubu to intervene and “put Bello where he belongs.” It also called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate Bello’s alleged attempts to manipulate the judiciary.

NIDDJ cited examples of former governors and officials who have been held accountable for corruption. “Alhaji Yahaya Bello cannot be treated as a sacred cow,” the statement said.

The group praised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman, Ola Olukoyede, for his commitment to prosecuting Bello for alleged corruption.

However, NIDDJ expressed concern that Bello was exploiting loopholes in the legal system to evade prosecution. “We urge the NJC to investigate these allegations and ensure the judiciary’s integrity is upheld,” the statement concluded. CONTINUE READING