Lawyers, rights activists, and various stakeholders have condemned the Kogi State House of Assembly for seeking the removal of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, describing the allegations against him as unfounded.
In a resolution passed on Monday during a plenary session in Lokoja, the lawmakers criticized Olukoyede’s handling of the case involving former Governor Yahaya Bello, deeming it unprofessional.
They also condemned what they described as an “unprovoked attack” by EFCC operatives on the Kogi State Government Lodge, viewing it as an affront to Governor Ahmed Ododo and the people of Kogi State.
The legislators accused the EFCC of attempting to assassinate both the former and current governors, insisting that the prolonged persecution of the former governor must come to an end.
However, their position has ignited widespread backlash, with many accusing the lawmakers of betraying their constituents and the interests of Kogi State.
Rights activists, legal practitioners, and social commentators have expressed their disapproval of the A Assembly’s stance on the matter.
For instance, a lawyer, Maduka Onwukeme, criticized the lawmakers for their actions.
He urged them to focus on legislative matters that would positively impact the people of Kogi State, rather than pursuing frivolous distractions.
“Legally, the value of this resolution is less than the value of the paper it is written on,” he stated.
“We operate a Federal system of government with a clear separation of powers, and the EFCC is an agency created by the National Assembly. Therefore, its activities cannot be questioned by the Kogi State House of Assembly. Their resolutions are not binding on the EFCC or any agency not established by a law of the Kogi State House of Assembly. The lawmakers should concentrate on legislative matters that affect the people of Kogi State instead of this wild goose chase,” he said.
Another lawyer and rights activist, Mr. Chijioke Ifenkwe, described the situation as theatrical.
“The Kogi State House of Assembly should be focused on recovering state funds, but they seem more interested in protecting their former governor,” he remarked.
Social critic, Gani Kayode Balogun, popularly known as GKB, lamented the development, criticizing the legislators for calling for the removal of the EFCC chairman and noting that the state House of Assembly lacks the constitutional power to make such demands.
GKB also faulted Yahaya Bello for turning his invitation by the EFCC into a theatrical affair.
He emphasized that Bello is not the first governor to be invited for questioning by the anti-graft agency, nor will he be the last.
GKB urged the former governor to cease mocking the system and face reality by honoring the invitation extended to him.