A demonstration staged on Friday at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by Nigerians under the aegis of the Kogi Conscience Liberation Movement and the Kogi Concerned Citizens Forum called for accelerated investigations into an alleged N80 billion fraud involving the former Governor of Kogi State and other key officials.

Led by Peter Onuma and Okpanachi Jacob, the protest highlighted the severe economic consequences of corruption on the citizens of Kogi State. The demonstrators emphasized the plight of the civil service, where workers are receiving only a fraction of their rightful salaries, severely impacting the local economy.

Recalling the actions of the previous administration under ex-Governor Bello, the group pointed out the prolonged and controversial screening exercise that resulted in job losses, deaths, and widespread hardship. Amid chants demanding justice, Onuma declared: “Our state’s economy is bleeding, and the people are suffering because of the greed and mismanagement of those in power."

Reeling out their demands, Okpanachi emphasized the need for a thorough examination of Kogi State’s expenditures from 2016 to January 27, 2024. He called for an investigation into the former Governor of Kogi State and other corrupt officials to set a precedent for future administrations.

Furthermore, Okpanachi demanded an assertion that former governors should not be immune from investigation and that the public is keenly observing the proceedings. He also called for investigations into all local government chairmen involved in the corruption network and public disclosure of the findings from the endless screening exercise conducted by Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration.

The group also urged a comprehensive probe into all parties connected to the alleged N80 billion and N10 billion fraud cases. While commending the EFCC’s anti-corruption efforts, they urged the agency to shine its investigative light on the ongoing issue of percentage salaries, suggesting that the current Kogi State administration is perpetuating past corrupt practices.

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