From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Arewa Youth Assembly has called upon the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to always demonstrate commitment to its mandate by immediately commencing prosecutions against politically exposed persons with allegations of corruption.
This was contained in a statement read by the Publicity Secretary of the Group, Aliyu Muhammad, during a press conference held at Arewa House in Kaduna Friday.
The statement reads, “Recent reports indicate a disturbing trend where the EFCC, under the leadership of Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has been notably lax in pursuing corruption cases against prominent figures, particularly those affiliated with the powers that be in government and the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).
“Among these politically exposed persons in particular are former Governors of Kano and Akwa Ibom States, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, who have faced serious allegations of corruption, including money laundering, diversion of public funds, and bribery.”
According to the Publicity Secretary, “what is particularly alarming is that Ganduje no longer enjoys constitutional immunity, yet he remains untouchable by the EFCC and ICPC.
“This raises critical questions about the integrity and impartiality of the Commissions. Why has the EFCC chosen to abandon these high-profile cases?
“Are we witnessing a calculated decision to shield certain individuals while aggressively pursuing opposition members and others who are not favored by the powers that be in today’s government?”
Muhammad opined that the selective nature of these prosecutions not only undermines public confidence in the EFCC but also reinforces the perception that the Commission has become an extension of the ruling APC.
“Many Nigerians are asking: has the EFCC, under Olukoyede’s leadership, lost its independence and objectivity?
“The silence surrounding the cases of Ganduje and the current Senate President who is also a former Governor, Godswill Akpabio, speaks volumes about the political motivations that may be at play.”
He stated that Nigerians deserve to see a commitment to justice that goes beyond political affiliations, and the current climate of fear and uncertainty, where only those in opposition to the ruling Party or who don’t enjoy the favors of high government officials are the ones being targeted, is unacceptable.
“This behavior erodes trust in our public institutions and discourages citizens from reporting corruption, knowing that the system may not act fairly.”
The group therefore, urged the EFCC to publicly clarify its criteria for pursuing cases and provide transparency in its decision-making process.
It also tasked the EFCC to open the corruption allegations against Alhaji Ganduje and Senator Godswill Akpabio and Co. without further delay, noting that being the National Chairman of the ruling Party doesn’t confer immunity from corruption prosecution or any special privileges from criminal prosecution where applicable.
Muhammad explained that by taking decisive actions against those alleged to be corrupt regardless of their political status and affiliations, the EFCC can begin to restore faith in its operations.
“It is imperative that the Commission acts without further delay to prove that it is not a tool of political persecution but a genuine defender of justice and integrity.
“The perception of bias must be addressed directly, and the commission must actively work to dispel the notion that it is operating under political influence.
“Finally, we stand United in our call for a partial approach to the fight against corruption. The EFCC must uphold the law without fear or favor. Only through fair and consistent enforcement can we hope to eradicate the pervasive culture of corruption in our society.
“We will continue to monitor developments as related to this matter and we won’t hesitate to hit the streets in protest if the EFCC continues to fail in its duties as it concerns these cases”,the statement stated.
