‘No sacred cows in corruption war’ — EFCC rejects ADC’s political targeting claim

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says its investigations and prosecutions are free of partisan considerations, insisting that there are no “sacred cows” in its anti-graft mandate.

The commission’s clarifications come on the heels of accusations by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that the EFCC is being used by the federal government to harass and discredit opposition leaders.

Bolaji Abdullahi, interim national publicity secretary of the ADC, had accused the EFCC of engaging in a “choreographed media trial” against opposition figures, citing the overnight detention of Aminu Tambuwal, former Sokoto State governor, and the commission’s “urgent” request for information on the seven-month tenure of Emeka Ihedioha, former governor of Imo.

In a statement on Tuesday, Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, described the claims by the ADC as “a rude shock and unwarranted blame game”.

“Every objective and discerning watcher of events in the national political scene would admit that the commission has been circumspect and dispassionate in the exercise of its mandate,” the statement reads.

“Every corruption allegation deserves to be investigated, and there is no constraint of time and season in criminal investigations.”

Oyewale added that the commission operates a non-partisan mandate, noting that serving and former governors and ministers from the ruling party as well as opposition figures have been investigated.

“Available records in our courts showed that several political figures of all divides are answering charges of alleged economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption,” the EFCC spokesperson said.

“It is also public knowledge that the EFCC is busy investigating some key figures of the ruling party owing to allegations of corrupt practices. Besides, many serving state governors of various political colourations are on the investigative radar of the commission.

“The commission will not be blackmailed into making full disclosures of its discreet investigations of any state or non-state actor, no matter the provocation.

“The ADC was right to have admitted that ‘the EFCC does not belong to the APC, it belongs to the Nigerian people. It is funded by taxpayers, not the ruling party.’ Nothing can be farther from this truth.

“The ADC and other political groups should focus on their partisan activities and allow the commission to carry out her mandate. Nothing will make an innocent person answer any charge from the EFCC.

“The “opposition figures” the ADC is trying unsuccessfully to white-wash know in their hearts that they have issues that necessitated their invitations by the commission.

“The immunity against any investigation by the EFCC is accountability and probity. Fraud is fraud. Corruption is corruption. There is no sacred cow, protected interest or partisan consideration in the investigation and prosecution of corruption.”

According to Oyewale, Ola Olukoyede, EFCC chairman, said, “If I am not condemned for investigating both former and serving strong ruling party governors and ministers, I should not be condemned for also investigating opposition figures.”

The EFCC urged Nigerians to disregard political statements aimed at heating up the polity and diverting attention from corruption.