ABUJA— Candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, in the last governorship election in Kogi State, Alhaji Murtala Ajaka, on Wednesday, expressed his readiness to give the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, evidence in the ongoing trial of the immediate past Governor of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

Ajaka, who lost the gubernatorial poll to governor Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who was Bello’s preferred candidate, in a statement he made available to newsmen in Abuja, lauded the anti-graft agency over the arrest and prosecution of the erstwhile governor.

While calling for a thorough investigation into how funds belonging to the state was spent from January 2016 to January 2024, the SDP candidate maintained that the decisive action the EFCC took against Bello was a significant move that would ensure accountability and justice “which the people of Kogi State have long deserved.”

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However, he argued that for the effort to yield meaningful result, the EFCC must intensify its investigation to uncover solid and irrefutable evidence that would not only sustain prosecution but also ensure a watertight case.

He said: “This investigation should include, interrogating Local Government Chairmen who served under Yahaya Bello’s administration and facilitated his access to local government funds.

“Summoning members of the Kogi State House of Assembly, particularly its leadership, to account for their roles in approving loans that were allegedly misappropriated during Bello’s administration.

“Investigating Yahaya Bello’s financial worth before assuming office in 2016 by obtaining his asset declaration records from the Code of Conduct Bureau. This will reveal any discrepancies and provide clarity on his sudden accumulation of wealth.”

Ajaka also urged the EFCC to avoid actions that could trivialise the case he described as “critical”, saying the earlier drama that involved the declaration of Bello as wanted, followed by his unchallenged appearance at the EFCC headquarters without arrest, had already raised public scepticism.

“This time, the EFCC must reassure Kogites of its sincerity and determination by conducting a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation.

“Additionally, the EFCC must address rumours emanating from Yahaya Bello’s camp suggesting that a deal for his immediate release was struck before his arrest. Such claims, if left unrefuted, could seriously undermine public confidence in the credibility of this investigation.

“The ultimate expectation of the people of Kogi State is the recovery of the hundreds of billions allegedly stolen during Yahaya Bello’s administration.

“The funds must be returned to the state’s coffers and redirected to critical developmental projects that will improve the lives of Kogi citizens.

“As a true son of Kogi State and a firm believer in justice and good governance, I am ready to support the EFCC, along with other committed Kogites, in its investigation by providing solid evidence where necessary.

“The people of Kogi State, Okun, Ebira, Igala, and other tribes, are united in their demand for justice. This unity underscores a shared aspiration for transparency, fairness, and good governance.

“I urge the EFCC to act diligently and with integrity, bearing in mind that the eyes of all Kogites and indeed Nigerians are watching closely.

“Justice for Kogi State must not be compromised. This moment provides an opportunity to set a historic precedent for accountability and the rule of law,” the statement further read.

Bello, who is facing two separate charges the EFCC preferred against him, was on Wednesday, docked before an Abuja High Court sitting at Maitama on a 16-count charge that bordered on his alleged complicity in a N110billion fraud.