Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to check the growing perception of selective justice under his administration.
Speaking at a Townhall meeting organized by the Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Community Engagement (North Central), Mrs Abiodun Essiet, the Professor of political science said the perceived selective justice is one of the major triggers of anger among Nigerians.
Prof. Salisu, who was the guest speaker at the townhall meeting held in Lokoja on Wednesday, urged the federal government to be fair and just in its anti-corruption fight.
Citing cases of alleged corruption in Rivers, Kano and Zamfara states where the accused actors are celebrated leaders within the current administration, he asked, “why is Kogi different”.
“We can all recall that under then Governor Nyesom Wike, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission declared the then Rivers State Accountant-General, Fubara Siminayi, and 58 others wanted for N435 billion fraud, alleged criminal conspiracy, money laundering, misappropriation of public funds, and abuse of office. Today, Wike is a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria while Fubara that was declared wanted is now Governor of Rivers state. Without immunity, Minister Wike is not haunted by EFCC.
“Ex-Zamfara governor, Bello Mattawalle, accused by same EFCC over alleged N70bn money laundering is currently the Defence Minister under same incumbent administration.
“What about the former Governor of Kano state, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje? Despite corruption charges levelled against him, he currently sits as the National Chairman of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“So, we make bold to ask, why is the case involving former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state different?,” he queried.
Prof Salisu’s submissions were re-echoed by many participants at the townhall meeting who held the views that selective justice is prevalent under the current administration.
They demanded that Bello be given same treatment accorded former Governors and urged EFCC to be impartial, transparent and professional in its dealings.
These came on the heels of reports that the Bello visited the EFCC head office in Abuja to honour the commission’s invitation.
The former Governor was asked to leave without interrogation. However, it was gathered that EFCC official later laid siege at Kogi Governor’s lodge in Abuja hours after Bello voluntary visit raising concerns among many about the commission’s real intentions.
Prof Salisu commended President Bola Tinubu for his policies aimed at rebuilding the nation, but added that without addressing the aggravated hunger in the land, Nigerians will not fully appreciate his vision for the country.
Speaking with newsmen after the townhall meeting, Prof Salisu emphasized that “Nigerians are hungry. There is no doubt about that. No matter how good the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are, Nigerians won’t appreciate it while striving to get what to eat.
“Benjamin Franklin once said ‘it is hard for an empty bag to stand upright’. This is so true and profound. Fixed the issue of hunger and see how fast Nigerians will join hands with the President to move the nation forward.”
At the townhall meeting, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Community Engagement, North Central, Mrs Essiet, launched ‘Citizens’ Assembly’ aimed at tackling community problems and fostering an inclusive society.
Mrs Essiet said the citizens’ assembly was created to collectively tackle community problems and foster an inclusive society where every voice is heard.
