EFCC dismisses ADC’s political witch-hunt claim as baseless

• The EFCC said politicians from all parties are being investigated over alleged economic and financial crimes with no political bias.
• The anti-graft agency chairman insisted corruption cases have no time or seasonal restrictions in investigation and prosecution processes.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has described as self-serving and diversionary, the African Democratic Congress’ (ADC) allegation of politically motivated investigations against opposition parties.

The ADC had claimed it members were invited for EFCC investigations, alleging that the files were opened in response to new political alignments to intimidate key opposition members.

However, the chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, questioned the criteria for defining ‘fresh’ or ‘old’ cases, insisting every corruption allegation should be investigated regardless of time.

Olukoyede, in a statement by the commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said the EFCC operates a non-partisan mandate and investigates both ruling and opposition figures.

He maintained that court records show several politicians from different parties are facing charges for alleged economic and financial crimes.

The EFCC chairman disclosed that some ruling party members and several serving governors of various political backgrounds are also under investigation.

He urged the ADC and other political parties to focus on their own partisan affairs and allow the commission to carry out its statutory duties.

“Nothing will make an innocent person answer any charge from the EFCC,” the statement reads.

“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.

“The EFCC will continue to do its job and all well-meaning Nigerians are enjoined to ignore political statements meant to heat up the polity and divert attention from the pillage of the national treasury.”