EFCC, ICPC advised to steer clear of politics

A coalition of civil society groups in Rivers State has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to refocus their attention on their core mandate of investigating and prosecuting financial crimes, with a specific emphasis on cases involving political personalities, and avoid distractions from their critical mission.

The group claimed that the anti-graft agencies have been attending public events with individuals who should be under investigation, rather than holding them accountable for corruption.

Enefaa Georgewill, the Chairman of the organisation, highlighted in an interview that financial crimes committed by public officeholders are the most critical threat to the economy, necessitating the undivided attention and action of anti-graft agencies.

“The leadership of the ICPC and EFCC should focus on their job, which is investigating financial crimes and prosecuting suspects. Financial crimes by public officeholders are the biggest crimes that affect and cripple the economy,” Georgewill stated.

He expressed concern over recent incidents where high-profile individuals who had held various offices were seen at award ceremonies with the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.

Georgewill urged the EFCC and ICPC to shun unnecessary involvement in political events and ceremonies, especially those involving individuals with questionable reputations.

He said, “Very recently, we saw persons who have held one office or the other in the country at an award ceremony with the EFCC chairman, and the EFCC chairman was even struggling to take pictures with them. This is a big challenge to the anti-graft efforts.”

Speaking further, he said, “The EFCC chairman shouldn’t be seen struggling to take pictures and having award ceremonies with political office holders who should be investigated or those who have been fingered for engaging in financial crimes.”

Reacting, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC spokesman, dismissed the concerns raised by the CSOs, describing it as misplaced.

He stressed that the EFCC continues to be steadfast in its pursuit of financial crimes, unswayed by political pressures or influences, and devoted to ensuring justice is served.

He said, “The EFCC is not partisan; that kind of call is out of place because the commission is focused, and we have our standard of procedures. There is no event or activity that can distract us from our mandate. So, such a call is out of place.”

Speaking further, the EFCC spokesman said, “There is nothing that can take away the focus and professionalism that is involved in our work. We are not exposed to politics.”