Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reiterated its commitment to pursuing corruption cases with absolute impartiality, declaring that no politician or influential figure will be spared on the basis of political affiliation.
Chairman of the Commission, Ola Olukoyede, made this known on Thursday in Abuja during a press conference marking his second anniversary in office.
Olukoyede, represented by the Director of Legal and Prosecution, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir, dismissed claims that the EFCC shields politicians who defect to the ruling party from investigation or prosecution.
> “It is alleged that politicians who joined the ruling party are being shielded by the commission. The simple answer is that it’s not true,” Tahir stated.
He explained that some of the cases being cited by critics, including that of a former Delta State governor, were still under investigation, stressing that justice would be served at the appropriate time.
> “To the best of my knowledge, that case is still under investigation, and in due course, justice will be served. No one is shielded because of party affiliation,” he added.
Tahir urged Nigerians to be patient as high-profile corruption cases often require painstaking investigations to ensure credible evidence and airtight prosecution.
> “If we are patient and do diligent work, Nigerians will see the quality of our cases. There is no intent anywhere to protect anyone who switches parties,” he assured.
Addressing another issue, the EFCC chairman also debunked reports that the agency deducts a percentage from recovered funds without approval from the National Assembly.
He described the allegations as baseless, citing the clarification already made by the President of the Senate, who confirmed that the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) does not empower the EFCC to make such deductions.
> “POCA stipulates that only the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria can authorise statutory deductions, following due legislative procedures,” Tahir clarified.
He emphasised that the Commission operates strictly within its legal boundaries and does not engage in any unauthorised financial dealings.
> “EFCC does not have the authority to make statutory deductions and has never done so. We act only in accordance with the law and due process,” he concluded.
(NAN)
