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…Faults parties’ choice of politicians facing corruption charges
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conclude its investigations into former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, calling for prosecution where evidence supports criminal charges.
The association also criticised political parties for fielding politicians facing unresolved corruption allegations, saying candidate selection should reflect public expectations of transparency and accountability, reports The Guardian.
Addressing the media in Abuja today, Friday, October 9, the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA said an opinion poll it conducted across the country, involving more than 6,000 respondents, indicated widespread disapproval of political parties selecting candidates facing unresolved corruption allegations.
According to the association, 99 per cent of respondents opposed the practice, with particular criticism directed at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over its reported decision to field Okowa for a senatorial contest in Delta North.
HURIWA said some respondents in the district questioned the reported choice of the former governor over the incumbent senator, Prince Ned Nwoko, and called on the EFCC to clarify the status of its investigation into Okowa.
The association, however, stressed that allegations of corruption should not be treated as proof of guilt and that every accused person was entitled to due process.
On Okowa, HURIWA recalled that the former governor was arrested and detained by the EFCC in November 2024 over allegations relating to the management of funds received during his eight-year tenure in office.
Media reports at the time quoted an unnamed EFCC source as saying that Okowa had visited the Commission’s Port Harcourt office following an invitation from investigators before he was arrested.
The reports also said the investigation concerned the alleged handling of N1.3 trillion in 13 per cent derivation funds from the Federation Account between 2015 and 2023.
Other allegations reportedly examined by investigators concerned funds allegedly used to acquire shares in a floating liquefied natural gas project and other investments.
HURIWA noted that Okowa had denied wrongdoing, while his aide had maintained that the EFCC had not established a case against him.
The association urged the commission to either proceed with prosecution if the evidence justified it or clarify its position if the available evidence was insufficient.
It said leaving the investigation unresolved indefinitely could undermine public confidence in the anti-corruption process.
HURIWA also raised concerns about the allegations against Bello, who has faced EFCC investigations over the alleged diversion of public funds during his tenure as Kogi State governor.
The association called for the case to be pursued transparently and in accordance with the law, stressing that neither political influence nor electoral ambition should shield any individual from lawful investigation.
It added that allegations and investigations did not amount to convictions but maintained that public officials should be held accountable through established legal processes.
The group also urged political parties to adopt transparent standards for selecting candidates and to take public concerns about integrity into account when deciding who should represent them in elective offices.
It called on the APC to explain the rationale behind its reported choice of Okowa for the Delta North senatorial contest, while urging other parties to ensure that their candidate-selection processes reflected principles of accountability.
HURIWA further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to apply electoral laws impartially, noting that questions of eligibility should be determined by the relevant constitutional and statutory provisions rather than allegations alone.
The association urged the EFCC to provide updates on the Okowa investigation and ensure that the Bello case proceeded in accordance with the law.
It said Nigerians should not have to choose between respecting the presumption of innocence and demanding accountability from public officials.
According to HURIWA, both principles must be upheld: no individual should be declared guilty without due process, and no person should be shielded from investigation because of political affiliation or ambition.
