- Governor Ododo came under a barrage of criticism for his alleged involvement in the whole incident.
The Kogi State government says Governor Usman Ododo did not facilitate the escape of his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, from security operatives who wanted to arrest him
On Wednesday, officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had laid a siege to Bello’s Abuja residence in order to apprehend him.
Ododo arrived at the scene and hours after he drove out only to be reported later that the former governor had found his way to Kogi, sparking speculation that his successor whisked him away.
Governor Ododo came under a barrage of criticism for his alleged involvement in the whole incident.
But speaking in an interview with Channels TV, Fanwo, who also worked under Bello, said Ododo didn’t aid the escape of his former principal from security agencies.
He noted that the incumbent governor is committed to upholding the laws of the country, including respecting its legal processes.
“Governor Ododo did not assist in Bello’s departure from his residence; the EFCC’s claims are misinformation aimed at furthering their objectives. Bello is not evading anyone; the existing court injunction protects his fundamental rights,” he said.
Fanwo stated that the anti-graft agency’s claims are baseless and product of an planned disinformation campaign.
He argued further that the ex-governor is not a fugitive, referring a state high court injunction that protects Bello from harassment by the anti-graft agency.
The commissioner therefore criticized the commission ‘s allegations even as he questioned the agency’s certainty about Bello’s whereabouts.
He said Governor Ododo remained a law-abiding leader who respects the rule of law and the Constitution of the country