The Center for Justice and Peace (CJP) has rejected a statement demanding the arrest of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. During a press conference in Abuja, Dr. Stephen Okparaibe, the Director General of CJP, clarified that he had not authorized any such statement.

Okparaibe voiced concerns regarding the efforts of certain politicians to undermine the integrity of the organization, labeling them as hired agents trying to create confusion and damage democratic institutions. “We are astonished that desperate politicians would sponsor individuals to impersonate our organization and issue harmful statements,” Okparaibe stated. He emphasized that such blatant attempts to tarnish CJP’s integrity and independence would not be tolerated.

The Director General expressed disappointment that some media outlets would allow individuals posing as representatives of CJP to misrepresent the group. He reiterated CJP’s dedication to justice, peace, and the rule of law, underscoring its non-partisan stance.

ALSO READ: Court Orders Yahaya Bello to Answer Fraud Charges of N110.4 Billion

The group, predominantly made up of legal professionals, reaffirmed its commitment to upholding Nigeria’s democratic principles. According to Okparaibe, the false statement contradicts CJP’s core values, as the organization would never call for the arrest of an individual who has willingly surrendered to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). “If the EFCC, which declared Mr. Bello wanted, held him for over four hours without arresting or prosecuting him, how could we?” he questioned.

CJP condemned the derogatory remarks made against the judiciary and urged relevant authorities to take action against the impersonators behind the fraudulent claims. The organization cautioned that allowing individuals to pose as activists could threaten Nigeria’s progress, leading to confusion and undermining the country’s democratic institutions.

CJP has also called on the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Security Service, the Inspector General of Police, and other relevant agencies to investigate and prosecute these impersonators. The organization remains committed to allowing the judicial process to unfold without taking sides in the ongoing EFCC-Yahaya Bello matter. “We do not wish to be drawn into this issue. Let the court decide,” Okparaibe concluded.