The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conclude its investigations into allegations of corruption involving former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
In a statement issued on Friday, HURIWA’s national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, also warned political parties against presenting candidates for elections while serious corruption allegations against them remain unresolved.
Onwubiko said a nationwide opinion poll conducted by the organisation, involving more than 6,000 respondents, showed widespread opposition to political parties fielding individuals facing unresolved corruption allegations.
According to him, 99 per cent of participants disapproved of the practice, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) facing particular criticism over its decision to nominate Okowa for a senatorial contest in Delta North.
He said some respondents in the district questioned why the party chose the former governor over the incumbent senator, Ned Nwoko, and called on the EFCC to provide an update on its investigation into Okowa.
The former Delta governor was arrested by the anti-graft agency in November 2024 over allegations relating to the management of N1.3 trillion in 13 per cent derivation funds allocated from the Federation Account between 2015 and 2023.
HURIWA also drew attention to allegations that some of the funds were used to acquire shares in a floating liquefied natural gas project and other investments.
The association, however, stressed that the claims remained allegations and should not be treated as proof of guilt. Okowa has denied wrongdoing, while his aide previously maintained that the EFCC had not established a case against him.
HURIWA called on the commission to either pursue prosecution where sufficient evidence exists or publicly clarify its position if the evidence is inadequate.
“Where investigators have sufficient evidence to prosecute, the EFCC should proceed without undue delay. Where the evidence is insufficient, the commission should equally clarify the position rather than leave the matter indefinitely unresolved,” HURIWA said.
Onwubiko said respondents in Kogi State had raised similar concerns over allegations against Bello, who has been accused of diverting public funds during his tenure as governor.
He argued that the seriousness of the allegations against public officials required transparent investigations and appropriate legal action through the courts.
The HURIWA coordinator added that the poll reflected public dissatisfaction with what the organisation viewed as a disconnect between political parties’ anti-corruption promises and their choices of candidates for public office.
He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enforce electoral laws fairly and without political bias.
“Nigerians should not have to choose between respect for the presumption of innocence and the demand for accountability from public officials,” HURIWA said.
Background
In November 2024, the EFCC arrested Okowa over allegations of diverting N1.3 trillion during his tenure as Delta State governor. The funds were reportedly linked to the 13 per cent derivation allocation for oil-producing states.
Bello was also taken into EFCC custody in the same month over allegations involving money laundering, breach of trust and the alleged misappropriation of N80.2 billion.
Both cases have continued to attract public attention, with HURIWA insisting that the investigations should be brought to a clear and lawful conclusion.
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