Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC), has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu is using the
agency to suppress opposition voices.
Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ on
Wednesday, Olukoyede said the accusations are a ploy to distract the president
from governance.
He said Tinubu is more concerned about results from
government agencies and ministries.
“I think Nigerians should appreciate the kind of president
we have at this time, and I am being serious about it. It is not because I am
occupying this position,” he said.
“Anyone who would be sincere, particularly those who work
with Mr. President, those who are members of the federal executive council,
those who are heading agencies, ministries and departments, any time you see
Mr. President, the body language is ‘look, what have you done?’ ‘How much have
you recovered?’
“The man doesn’t have time for this issue, people are just
trying to distract the government, they are just trying to distract the working
president.
“Those who are close to him will tell you he doesn’t want to
hear anything apart from the performance.”
Responding to claims that the EFCC targets critics of the
administration, Olukoyede said the agency’s record tells a different story.
He said more people from the ruling All Progressives
Congress (APC) have faced prosecution than those in opposition.
“If you check the statistics of our work, the area of
investigation, prosecution, particularly high-profile cases, you will perhaps
find more members of the ruling party, some of the cases we have done. So, we
must be judged fairly,” he said.
Olukoyede said it would be unjust to shield opposition
figures from scrutiny due to fear of public perception.
“You will find prominent members of the ruling party as part
of the people we have investigated and filed charges against,” he added.
“So, for us to close our eyes to people who perhaps are not
members of the ruling political party will be unfair to us and will be an
injustice.”
The EFCC chairman also spoke on internal misconduct, adding
that 27 personnel have been dismissed over various offences since he assumed
office.
He said the dismissals were crucial because the anti-graft
war must be led by people with unquestionable integrity.
Olukoyede added that more cases are under review and the
agency is actively pursuing disciplinary action where necessary.
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