From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been charged to be holistic in the fight against corruption.
The Committee Against Oppression and Persecution (COMAP), said it was not pleased with what it called “selective persecution of persons perceived to be in the bad books of certain political interests in the country.”
COMAP Chairman, Ibrahim Kure and Secretary, Udoji Franklin, said they were not pleased with the way some persons in the corridors of power would be treated as untouchables even with already established fraud allegations running into billions of naira.
They made reference to the ongoing court case against a former Governor of Kano State who has a running battle with the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCCAC), over alleged bribery scandal.
“The Kano High Court was to arraign the former Kano Governor, and his wife on April 17, 2024, over allegations of bribery and misappropriation of funds by the state government. Neither he nor his wife went to court. They also disrespected the court so much that they didn’t send any Counsel.
“Matter was adjourned to 29th April but was stalled again. No representation, no appearance. He was not present. The case was again adjourned to May 16, and on that day, arraignment was rescheduled to June 5. Still, the former governor, who we are sure no longer has immunity and is not above the laws of Nigeria by virtue of being the Chairman of the ruling party, did not show up. No representation still. The last arraignment was supposed to be July 11.
“At the resumed proceedings on July 11, the former and his co-defendants were again absent. The judge declined a prayer by the prosecution counsel for a warrant of arrest but ruled that the defendants could be tried in absentia.
“Remember, this is also a criminal case like the one the EFCC is celebrating everyday on another former two-term governor.”
They called on President Bola Tinubu to embolden the EFCC to fight corruption to a standstill.
“We are in full support of Mr. President to turn this country around but he must be mindful of those plotting to terminate his rule after four years with unpopular actions. They have formed themselves into a cabal and will be the first set of people to betray him.
“In Yahaya Bello’s case, EFCC shunned the laws of the system, treated him like a coup plotter without any official invitation and despite holding a valid restraining order against such, and the Commission thinks it has succeeded in turning Nigerians against him with daily misleading propaganda on their social media handles. Those who are not beclouded by politics and hate know this is deceit and not corruption fight.
“There are many pending cases that the anti-graft agency has tactically abandoned. We are aware that the N70bn money laundering allegation against Bello Matawalle, is still pending though he has a restraining order against arrest.
“If the EFCC cannot engage in a just fight against corruption, starting from within its ranks, they should stop molesting vulnerable political figures. It is high time we saddled people with the real responsibilities of tackling corruption in Nigeria and not executing dangerous political survival strategies for paymasters,” they said.