Kogi: EFCC Now Tool of Oppression, Opposition Parties Tell Buhari...
Some opposition political parties in the country have criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly politicising anti-graft war and allowing itself to be used to intimidate some politicians within and outside the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reacting to the recent faceoff between the Kogi State Government and the EFCC over an alleged N20 billion Kogi State Salary bail-out account at Sterling Bank that was purportedly frozen by the court, the parties accused the EFCC of chasing an agenda and being used by some APC henchmen to label some politicians as corrupt through unverified cases.
Addressing a media briefing at Awka, Anambra State, on behalf of Allied Political Parties for Good Governance and Building Nigeria Legacy, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Okey Nwosu, canvassed the need for President Buhari to call the leadership of the anti-graft agency to order, stressing that the agency had become a tool of oppression.
Nwosu said, "EFCC and other agencies of government must learn to focus on their jobs and stay away from politicians; extricate themselves from politics and begin to function as preventive organisations. Brinkmanship is destructive of government establishments and institutions.
"A stich in time saves nine. Mr. President and the Presidency should be concerned with the history Buhari leaves as he finishes his tenure."
Nwosu argued that the EFCC had wanted to rubbish Kogi State government but for the prompt opening and explanation of the state government.
While commending the state government on its transparent rebuttal, Nwosu asked the EFCC to desist from tarnishing the image of perceived enemies with, "unverified cases."
He said, "Matters involving a commercial bank and a state government can be effectively investigated if the purpose is noble without such public exacerbation and politicking.
“If not for their prompt response, and opening its door instantly, the government of Kogi State will have been rubbished which I believe was the intention.
"Apparently, some people feel very uncomfortable with the World Bank letter released a few weeks ago that was reported in many newspapers commending the Governor of Kogi State for refunding $4.63 million surplus funds under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management project (NEWMAP); and his recent report card as the best state in women and youths mainstreaming into government," the political parties said.
Nwosu stressed that he had never met Governor Bello, but noted that he had shown capacity for inclusion.
"The recent world reports on his inclusive leadership and the boldness and transparency with which the state has confronted the recent EFCC perfidy should endear him to good men and women in APC," he noted.