Youth groups under the aegis of North Central Integrity Group have made some fresh allegations.

Th youths alleged that the ongoing challenges being faced by the immediate-past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, are politically motivated.

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission had declared Bello wanted for alleged misappropriation of funds and money laundering during his eight-year tenure.

In a statement signed and made available to journalists in Lafia on Saturday, the convener of the North Central Integrity Group, Musa Audu, decried the EFCC’s undue haste in investigating the former governor on the alleged fraud case.

The statement read, “The North Central Integrity Group strongly condemns the politically driven attacks on former Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello.

“While we respect the EFCC mandate, we denounce the undue haste in investigating Governor Bello’s alleged involvement in a fraud case. This rush appears to be orchestrated by adversaries seeking to undermine the North Central’s interests.

“However, the appointment of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje from the Northwest over a North Central nominee is a clear departure from fairness. The North Central’s objections to this injustice have drawn unwarranted retaliation because Bello is believed to be their choice. This campaign against Bello is unmistakably political, aiming to thwart the North Central’s rightful claim to the APC’s National Chairmanship position.”

The group appealed to President Bola Tinubu to restore fairness by reinstating the North Central’s rightful claim to the National Chairmanship position, previously held by Senator Abdullahi Adamu, to prevent further escalation of the matter.