The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the growing perception of selective justice under his administration.
Speaking at a town hall meeting organised 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 a major trigger of anger among Nigerians.
Prof. Salisu, who was the guest speaker at the town hall meeting held in Lokoja, 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 individuals are celebrated leaders within the current administration, he asked, “why is Kogi different?”
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“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, who was declared wanted, is now Governor of Rivers State. Without immunity, Minister Wike is not haunted by the EFCC.
“Ex-Zamfara governor, Bello Mattawalle, accused by the same EFCC of alleged N70bn money laundering, is currently the Defence Minister under the same 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 concerns were echoed by many participants at the town hall meeting, who shared the view that selective justice is prevalent under the current administration.
They demanded that Bello be given the same treatment accorded to former governors and urged the EFCC to be impartial, transparent, and professional in its dealings.
Prof. Salisu commended President Bola Tinubu for his policies aimed at rebuilding the nation but added that without addressing the growing hunger in the land, Nigerians will not fully appreciate his vision for the country.
Speaking with newsmen after the town hall meeting, Prof. Salisu stressed 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 them while struggling to find something to eat.
“Benjamin Franklin once said, ‘it is hard for an empty bag to stand upright.’ This is so true and profound. Fix the issue of hunger and see how fast Nigerians will join hands with the President to move the nation forward.”
At the town hall meeting, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Community Engagement, North Central, Mrs. Essiet, launched the ‘Citizens’ Assembly,’ aimed at tackling community problems and fostering an inclusive society.
Mrs. Essiet said the Citizens’ Assembly was created to collectively tackle community issues and foster an inclusive society where every voice is heard.