Breaking News:Kogi Assembly Demands EFCC Chairman's Removal Over Alleged Assassination Attempt on Former Governor Bello
The Kogi State House of Assembly has called for the immediate removal of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, citing his mishandling of the ongoing case against former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello and what they described as an "unprovoked attack" on the Kogi State Government Lodge.
During a heated plenary session, the lawmakers condemned the actions of the EFCC, accusing the commission of carrying out assassination attempts on both the former Governor Yahaya Bello and the current Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo. The legislators claimed the EFCC’s actions were politically motivated, aimed at humiliating and endangering the lives of Kogi's leadership.
Hon. Akus Lawal expressed outrage at the EFCC’s conduct, alleging that its officers were attempting to kill the governors. This sentiment was echoed by other lawmakers, with Hon. Abu Jibril calling for the prosecution of EFCC Chairman Olukoyede for what he described as an assassination attempt.
The Assembly argued that Olukoyede's alleged incompetence in handling the investigation and the excessive force used during the EFCC's operations in Kogi State warranted his immediate removal. They accused the commission of overstepping its legal boundaries and acting with impunity.
Reading out the resolution of the House, Speaker Rt. Hon. Aliyu Yusuf stated, “The House formally categorizes the April 17 and September 18 incidents as assassination attempts on the former Governor, and by extension, a threat to the life of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo."
He further described the raid on the Kogi Government Lodge as an "unprovoked attack," criticizing the EFCC for recklessly firing live rounds in a residential zone. The lawmakers accused the EFCC of becoming too powerful and disregarding the rule of law.
In addition to calling for Olukoyede's removal, the Kogi Assembly passed a resolution commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies. They urged the President to appoint a more competent officer to lead the EFCC, one who would uphold the rule of law and restore credibility to the agency.
The Kogi Assembly’s strong stance highlights growing tensions between the state and the EFCC, raising questions about the commission’s recent activities and its future leadership.