Former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, on Sunday, advised the embattled former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello to submit himself to EFCC.
Ortom urged Bello to come out of his hiding and answer his case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Recall that Bello has been having a running issue with the EFCC. As a result, the anti-corruption Commission has declared him wanted after he failed to show up for arraignment at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The EFCC has filed a N80.2bn fraud charges against Bello. Following a court, the anti-corruption Commission had gone to arrest the former Governor but he resisted arrest.
Consequent upon that, EFCC declared him wanted. The Nigerian Immigration Service also placed Bello on watchlist. And ordered that he should be arrested anywhere he was found.
Bello’s whereabouts has remained hidden up till the time of this report.
But speaking at a Redeemed Christian Church of God service in Makurdi, Benue State on Sunday, Ortom advised Bello to come out of hiding.
The thanksgiving service which was organized by Ortom aides was to celebrate his 63rd birthday.
Ortom who expressed worries on Bello’s continued hiding, said Bello would bring disgrace to former Governors across the country.
He said, “I want to use this opportunity to advise my younger brother and friend, Governor Yahaya Bello, not to disgrace former Governors.
“You don’t need to hide. You don’t need to resist arrest or anything. Go there and respond. The EFCC (officials) are human beings. If they are making inquiries, the laws are there. I have tried to get him on the phone, but I could not. I have tried those around him but I could not. So, I want this to be noted. Wherever he is, if he can hear me, thank God the press is here, he should come out.”
Recall that shortly after leaving office on May 29, 2023, Ortom was invited by the EFCC. He visited the Markudi office of the anti-graft agency in June 2023. He was, however, released after he was quizzed by EFCC investigators.
Ortom, however, used the occasion of the birthday thanksgiving service to appreciate the people of Benue State for their support. He thanked them for supporting his administration throughout his eight-year tenure and for celebrating him on his birthday.
Ortom described his two terms of office as an uneasy task. He, however, called on the people to always pray for their leaders.
The former Governor expressed appreciation to God for His mercies over his life and family. He added that he left the Government House a better Christian.
He also urged youths to stop insulting elders on social media. But to take advantage of the internet to add value to their lives and bring development to the State.
He said, “Do not insult the leaders or elders on social media. We all must be part of the process to bring peace so that progress, prosperity and development will come.
source: PUNCH
