Anti-Corruption Watchdog, the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has condemned the actions of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in resisting arrest. The group frowned at what it described as the former governor’s attempt to manipulate the judiciary in order to evade prosecution for alleged corrupt practices.
Acting Executive Director of ANEEJ, Mr. Leo Atakpu in a statement issued in Benin City lamented that it was fast becoming a norm among public office holders (past and present) to resist arrest and undermine prosecution using instruments of state.
He said: “It is deeply concerning that individuals in positions of power would seek to undermine the rule of law and impede the course of justice for personal gain.
“Former Governor Bello’s attempts to use a court order to shield himself from accountability for alleged corruption are a blatant affront to the legal system and an abuse of the judicial process. ANEEJ stands firmly against any actions that seek to obstruct the fight against corruption and subvert the principles of justice and accountability,” Atakpu stated.
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“We call upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government to refrain from interference in the prosecution proceedings involving Former Governor Bello. It is imperative that political actors respect the independence of the judiciary and allow legal processes to unfold without undue influence or interference,” the ANEEJ boss stated.
Furthermore, ANEEJ urged the judiciary to assert its independence and uphold the integrity of the legal system by ensuring that justice prevails in cases of corruption and abuse of power. The judiciary must remain vigilant against attempts by politicians to manipulate legal proceedings for their personal benefit and must strengthen their systems to prevent such manipulations from occurring.
“Corruption is a cancer that undermines the fabric of society and erodes public trust in governance. ANEEJ remains committed to the fight against corruption and calls on all stakeholders, including the government, the judiciary, and civil society, to work together to combat corruption and uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, ” Leo Atakpu emphasized.
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