Anti-Graft Group Criticizes EFCC, ICPC for Ignoring South South Ex-Governors’ Petitions

• NACAT criticized the EFCC for ignoring petitions against former South South governors, urging public accountability for embezzlement and corruption
• EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede assured petitioners that investigations are ongoing and called for patience, citing the need for thorough review

The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT), an anti-corruption organization, has criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly ignoring numerous petitions against former governors from the South-South region. NACAT also condemned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for failing to investigate these cases.

According to NACAT, both agencies have received several petitions with substantial evidence but have yet to act on them. Recently, the Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State, affirmed the authority to investigate and prosecute Delta State officials involved in corruption.

During a press briefing on Wednesday, Shedrach Iheoma, NACAT’s Director of Compliance, emphasized that public officials will continue to embezzle funds if anti-graft agencies and similar organizations remain silent.

“As a leading anti-corruption group in Nigeria, we cannot ignore the rampant corruption and embezzlement by some former governors. We must bring these issues to light,” Iheoma stated.

He urged Nigerians to hold governors and public officeholders accountable, pointing out that the stolen resources could significantly improve public services.

Iheoma specifically accused the EFCC of being lenient with South ex-governors, whom he described as the country’s “biggest looters.”

In response, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede called for patience from petitioners, assuring that all petitions would be addressed based on their merits. Speaking through the agency’s Head of Media, Dele Oyewale, Olukoyede explained, “Investigations begin once petitions are submitted. We do not discuss ongoing investigations publicly. Petitioners should remain patient.”

He added, “The EFCC is a national anti-corruption agency with numerous daily petitions, each requiring thorough review. Our work is continuous, and petitioners will be contacted at the appropriate time.”