A report I’ve reviewed attributes a statement to Bayo Onanuga, my respected brother and presidential spokesman, from his conversation with Laolu Akande, suggesting that ex-Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is hiding “under the agbada” of his replacement, Governor Usman Ododo.
According to the report, Akande inquired as to why the police could not provide assistance to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in apprehending Yahaya Bello, prompting Onanuga’s questionable response.
Onanuga and Akande, experienced journalists, demonstrate a lack of familiarity with legal principles, emphasizing the need for specialized knowledge in judicial proceedings.
A person in court, like Yahaya Bello, who is enforcing his fundamental human rights, cannot be considered as hiding from the law. This would only be possible if hiding under the law was implied.
“It is challenging to understand the professional misjudgments that may have led Akande to articulate his question to Onanuga as reported, but his claim of ignorance regarding Yahaya Bello’s prior EFCC encounter, where he was initially dismissed and later approached for a fabricated arrest under dubious circumstances, is notably dishonest and lacking in integrity.”
Onanuga’s suggestions to the contrary are inaccurate; former Governor Yahaya Bello is not hiding behind anyone but rather is under the lawful protection afforded to him as a party to a pending court proceeding.
The EFCC’s transformation into a political tool for those seeking to settle scores, under the pretense of combating corruption, is compounded by its own likely status as the country’s most corrupt agency.
Akande’s priority should have been questioning the EFCC’s failure to interrogate a wanted individual who reported to their headquarters, only to be sent away, rather than misleading his audience into believing the person is avoiding the law.
Bayo Onanuga’s relentless intervention in Yahaya Bello’s issues, insinuating President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s involvement, raises questions about his motives, as he should ideally allow the legal system to resolve the matter.
Given the show of shame on the part of the EFCC when he lawfully presented himself at their headquarters and what transpired afterwards, he is perfectly entitled to wait for the judgement of the apex court before taking any other decision.
We are a country of laws – Governor Yahaya Bello is in court and therefore before the law, unlike the likes of Bayo Onanuga, Laolu Akande and their cohorts who obviously aim to oust the jurisdiction of the courts and resort to self-help in the court of public opinion.
Onokpasa, a lawyer, is Chairman Tinubu Media Support Group, TMSG, and writes from Abuja.
