A storm of public outrage has erupted after the Presidency was seen celebrating the birthday of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who is still facing serious allegations of corruption and was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) earlier this year.
Images and videos from the low-key celebration circulated online, showing top government officials extending birthday greetings and warm wishes to Bello, sparking fury among Nigerians who view the gesture as a slap in the face of justice.
Yahaya Bello, who has been accused of misappropriating over ₦80 billion during his tenure, remains at the center of one of the EFCC’s most high-profile cases. Despite public calls for accountability, the former governor has continued to enjoy soft-landing and political protection, many critics say.
> “How do you celebrate someone who’s supposed to be answering to corruption charges?” one social media user questioned. “This is why the people no longer trust the system.”
Civic groups, legal analysts, and youth organizations have also condemned the move, calling it tone-deaf, insensitive, and a dangerous endorsement of impunity.
Meanwhile, the EFCC has yet to comment on the latest development, further deepening public suspicion of selective prosecution and a lack of political will to tackle corruption head-on
