Ortom advised Bello to surrender himself to the anti-graft agency on Sunday during a thanksgiving service organised by his former appointees to mark his 63rd birthday at the regional headquarters of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Makurdi.
Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has publicly urged the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to emerge from seclusion and voluntarily present himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Ortom issued this advice on Sunday during a thanksgiving service organized by his former appointees to commemorate his 63rd birthday at the regional headquarters of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Makurdi. The EFCC recently filed 19 criminal charges related to money laundering amounting to N80.246 billion against the former governor and others. Ortom emphasized the importance of accountability, stating that it is inappropriate for a former governor to evade inquiries from anti-graft agencies regarding their tenure.
He admonished Bello, saying, “If you are summoned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to give an account of your stewardship, comply. There is no need to evade the EFCC, resist arrest, or engage in any form of avoidance. Simply go and explain. The EFCC personnel are human beings carrying out their duties within the confines of the law.” Ortom emphasized the need for cooperation with the EFCC, stressing that attempting to avoid accountability would only tarnish the reputation of former governors.
Expressing gratitude to his former appointees for commemorating his birthday, Ortom reflected on the challenges of governance, particularly the constraints imposed by security details during his eight-year tenure as governor. He acknowledged the difficulties of accessibility and the perceptions surrounding security restrictions, highlighting the complexities of leadership responsibilities. Ortom acknowledged the inevitability of mistakes and encouraged prayers for leaders at all levels of government and society, emphasizing the importance of humility and collective support in navigating the complexities of governance.