Former Governor Yahaya Bello has honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged financial fraud.

A statement on Wednesday in Lokoja by the director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, said Mr Bello made the decision to honour EFCC’s invitation after due consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.

The statement said the former governor, who has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights to ensure due process.

“The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing.

“It is important for the former governor to now honour the invitation of the EFCC to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear,” the statement said.

It added, “The former governor believes firmly in the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic development and supports the fight against corruption in the country.

“It is on record that he was the first governor of Kogi state to put in place an anti-corruption mechanism to check graft and ensure that the resources of the state work for the people of the state.”

The director explained that high-profile Nigerians accompanied Mr Bello to the EFCC headquarters.

“It is our hope that the Commission will be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

He said details of his engagement with the anti-graft agency’s operatives would be disclosed later.

The former Kogi governor has been battling with the anti-graft agency in courts over his invitation and the alleged financial misappropriation labelled against him.

(NAN)