The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conclude its investigations into corruption allegations involving former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The association also warned political parties against presenting candidates for elective offices while serious corruption allegations against them remain unresolved.
In a statement issued on Friday, HURIWA National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the organisation had conducted an opinion poll involving more than 6,000 respondents across Nigeria. According to him, 99 per cent of those surveyed opposed the practice of fielding politicians facing unresolved corruption allegations.
Onwubiko said the All Progressives Congress (APC) had attracted criticism in Delta North over its decision to field Okowa for a senatorial contest instead of the incumbent senator, Ned Nwoko. He maintained that the EFCC should publicly clarify the status of its investigation into the former governor.
Okowa was arrested and detained in November 2024 following an investigation into allegations concerning approximately ₦1.3 trillion in 13 per cent derivation funds from the Federation Account between 2015 and 2023.
The funds are associated with allocations intended for oil-producing states. Allegations reported at the time also raised questions about investments and the alleged use of funds to acquire shares in a floating liquefied natural gas project.
HURIWA stressed that the allegations remain matters for investigation and do not, in themselves, establish guilt. Okowa has denied wrongdoing, while his aide has maintained that the EFCC has not established a case against him.
The association urged the anti-graft agency to act promptly, arguing that where sufficient evidence exists, prosecution should proceed without unnecessary delay. Where the evidence is insufficient, it said, the commission should clarify its position rather than leave the matter unresolved indefinitely.
HURIWA also raised concerns about the allegations involving Bello, who was arrested by the EFCC in November 2024 over alleged money laundering, breach of trust and the misappropriation of ₦80.2 billion during his tenure as Kogi State governor.
According to Onwubiko, respondents in Kogi expressed similar concerns about the handling of unresolved corruption allegations. He argued that cases involving substantial sums of public money should be pursued transparently and in accordance with the law.
The organisation further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to apply electoral laws impartially, emphasising the importance of accountability in the selection of candidates for public office.
HURIWA said Nigerians should not be forced to choose between respecting the presumption of innocence and demanding accountability from public officials.
The association maintained that the timely resolution of corruption investigations would help strengthen public confidence in anti-corruption institutions and address concerns about the relationship between political decisions and accountability in public service.
