The immediate past governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has urged his counterpart from Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to come out of his hiding and surrender himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Communities (EFCC).
Africa Today News, New York recalls that the anti-graft agency had last week declared Bello wanted over alleged money laundering.
EFCC is prosecuting the former governor for allegedly misappropriating over N80 billion while serving as Kogi State governor.
Ortom spoke during a thanksgiving service organised by his former appointees to mark his 63rd birthday at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Regional Headquarters in Makurdi on Sunday
He said: “Let me use this opportunity to advise my younger brother and friend, former governor Yahaya Bello, not to disgrace former governors.
Read Also: Bello: Why We Refunded Fees To EFCC – American Int’l School
“If you are called to come and account for your stewardship by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, go there. You do not need to hide from EFCC; you do not need to resist arrest or anything. Go there and explain. EFCC are human beings who are doing their work.
“If they are making inquiries, the laws are there. I have tried to get him on the phone, I could not, I tried those around him, but I could not. I want him to note, wherever he is, if he can hear me from there, he should go before the EFCC.”
In another report, the American International School Abuja (AISA) has offered additional information and context to clarify the issues around its decision to refund the school fees paid by Governor Bello, to the EFCC.
The Head of School, Greg Hughes, explained that the school turned in the funds in compliance with the commission’s request and denied any wrongdoing.
He also reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to upholding institutional integrity and respect for institutions in the country.