Rep Agbese Expresses Confidence in Yahaya Bello Amid Fraud Allegations

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been supported by Hon. Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, who has stated that he will come out stronger from the ongoing accusations of money laundering made against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Agbese expressed support for Bello yesterday outside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, calling the trial a test of a patriot’s fortitude rather than proof of misconduct.

In a passionate speech to reporters and supporters following Thursday’s court proceedings, the member for the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency called Bello a leader with unwavering integrity.

He firmly asserted that Yahaya Bello is one Nigerian who cannot and would never embezzle any money from the public coffers.

I’ve known Yahaya for more than 20 years, and I can attest to his integrity as a nationalist, patriot, and a man who is passionate about his people’s advancement.

“This is the trial of a patriot who, after dedicating his heart and resources to changing Kogi State, left Lugard House [the Kogi State Government House] in a worse state than when he arrived. It is not the trial of a corrupt politician.”

The former governor’s dedication to public service and selflessness were highlighted by Agbese.

He claimed to have known Yahaya Bello for more than 20 years and to have witnessed a man who constantly put the needs of his people before his own interests.

When Kogi took office in 2016, he was facing economic stagnation, insecurity, and deteriorating infrastructure.

Bold reforms, youth empowerment initiatives, and significant investments in roads, healthcare, and education were some of the ways that Bello altered that narrative. Instead of accumulating fortune for himself, he departed office with a richer legacy of service but a smaller wallet. Nigerians need to understand that what we are seeing is a strategically planned effort to damage the reputation of a guy who dared to put government ahead of personal gain.

Nigerians should look past the EFCC’s accusations, the congressman said, calling them “a smokescreen designed to distract from Bello’s transformative achievements.”

He emphasized Bello’s administration’s transparency and financial restraint. Agbese said, “Unprecedented development occurred in Kogi State during Bello’s tenure.”

From building the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Center to establishing the Kogi State University Teaching Hospital in Anyigba, Bello’s initiatives were concrete and focused on the needs of the local population. Kogi became safer as a result of his introduction of free education policies, empowerment of women and youth, and direct combat of insecurity.

“This is not the behavior of a man who embezzles public funds. When all is said and done, I have no doubt that Yahaya Bello will emerge from this trial stronger and with his name as a patriot intact.

Agbese urged Nigerians to assess the EFCC’s pursuit’s motivations thoroughly as well. “This case is more about settling political scores than it is about accountability,” he claimed.

People who feel threatened by Bello’s influence have targeted him because of his growing reputation as a youthful, effective leader.

Nigerians ought to wonder why a man who resigned from office without owning an offshore account or a personal residence is being pursued. The politics of envy and vendetta hold the key to the solution. However, Yahaya Bello’s truth will win out because truth is tenacious.

Agbese added, “Yahaya Bello is the hope of a new generation of leaders who put service before self.”

“This trial will only make him more determined and give him more visibility as a people’s advocate. Nigerians ought to join him in supporting Bello because doing so upholds the fundamental principle of patriotic governance.