The Deputy Spokesman for the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has backed former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, claiming that he will come out stronger from the ongoing accusations of money laundering made against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Speaking yesterday outside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, Agbese expressed support for Bello and said the trial was not proof of guilt but rather a test of a patriot’s fortitude.
Following Thursday’s court proceedings, the member representing the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency passionately spoke to reporters and supporters, calling Bello a leader of unwavering integrity.
He adamantly stated, “Yahaya Bello is one Nigerian who cannot and will never steal a dime from the public purse.”
Having known Yahaya for more than 20 years, I can attest to his integrity as a nationalist, patriot, and a guy who is fully committed to the advancement of his people.
“This is not the trial of a corrupt politician; rather, it is the trial of a patriot who, after dedicating his life and resources to the transformation of Kogi State, left Lugard House [the Kogi State Government House] in a worse state than when he arrived.”
Agbese highlighted the previous governor’s dedication to public service and selflessness.
“Over the course of my more than two decades of knowing Yahaya Bello, I have witnessed a man who continuously prioritized the well-being of his people over his own interests,” he stated.
“Kogi was dealing with economic stagnation, insecurity, and infrastructure deterioration when he took office in 2016.”
Through audacious reforms, youth empowerment initiatives, and significant investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and education, Bello altered that narrative. He left government with a smaller pocket but a richer legacy of service rather than accumulating fortune for himself. Nigerians need to understand that what we are seeing is a politically motivated effort to damage the reputation of a guy who dared to put the good of the country before his own interests.
The senator called the EFCC’s accusations “a smokescreen designed to distract from Bello’s transformative achievements” and encouraged Nigerians to see past them.
He emphasized that Bello’s term was characterized by openness and fiscal restraint. “Unprecedented development occurred in Kogi State under Bello’s leadership,” Agbese said.
Bello’s projects were concrete and focused on the needs of the people, from building the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Center to establishing the Kogi State University Teaching Hospital in Anyigba. He made Kogi safer by enacting free education laws, empowering young people and women, and taking on insecurity head-on.
“This is not what a man who embezzles public cash would do. When this trial is over, I have no doubt that Yahaya Bello will emerge stronger and with his name as a patriot untarnished.
Agbese also urged Nigerians to consider the EFCC’s pursuit’s motivations carefully. He claimed, “This case is more about settling political scores than it is about accountability.”
Because of his growing reputation as a youthful, effective leader, Bello became a target for individuals who felt intimidated by his power.
Nigerians ought to inquire as to why a man who resigned from office without owning a single home or offshore account is being pursued. Envy and vengeance politics hold the key to the solution. However, truth endures, and Yahaya Bello’s truth will win out.
Agbese came to the conclusion that “Yahaya Bello is the hope of a new generation of leaders who prioritize service over self.”
His resolve and voice as a champion of the people will only be strengthened by this trial. Nigerians ought to support him because by standing up for Bello, we are protecting the concept of patriotic governance itself.
