Chairman Ola Olukoyede denied the widespread claim that the EFCC was used as an APC political vendetta tool.
Nigeria News Nalin The report said that the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) said yesterday that the commission was not established for political vendetta.
He also said there was no connection between the investigation of former Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressive Conference (APC).
Olukoyede refuted allegations that the EFCC was used to blackmail opposition figures to join the ruling party.
The chairman, who spoke on television last night, said the committee focused on the anti-corruption war and ensured that it did not deviate from deviations.
“We have used the tools of our work to stimulate the economy. We look inward to see the areas to be strong.
“It’s important for me and my colleagues in the EFCC that if we are going to fight corruption, we will fight it with integrity. We are able to eliminate about 27 bad guys who are not suitable for the system.
“I am very sure Nigerians will prove that there is no mission to introduce politics into the EFCC.
“Yes, people read what everything you do means. I’m not a politician; as far as I know, no member of my surgical staff is deeply involved in politics.
“So we work under our mandate and the mission is investigating anyone involved in financial crime.
“And if someone like this is found to be guilty or we are able to establish a case against you, we will continue. I can tell you that we have followed the mission.
He accused the use of the EFCC to pursue opposition figures to force them to join the ruling party, saying: “You agree with my consent, I have not been appointed as chairman of any party.
“If Nigerians were fair to us and had examined our well-known cases, maybe you might find outstanding members of the ruling party. My mission is: If I find or allegedly you have stolen money, you will have a case to answer.
Olukorede said the EFCC never ransomed Okowa, adding: “Politics has not yet introduced our mission.
He stressed: “The investigation has since begun his case. As I told you, we are driven by the principle of empowerment.
“Nigerians should also know that we have reason to investigate and prosecute outstanding members of the ruling party.
“It is not our mission to get anyone to join any political party, because I am neither the secretary nor the chairman of any political party.
Olukoyede wants to know why the case involving Okowa was picked out and says it’s weird.
“I don’t understand why the past governors should be selected. Since I took office, have we invited the only former governor we have invited?”
EFCC boss said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is more interested in fulfilling the commission’s mandate rather than affecting its business.
He stressed: “Nigerians should thank the President. Those who work closely with the President will know that he is interested in your work.
“President Tinubu’s body language is the way your work can strengthen the economy and ensure we perform our tasks.
“People close to him will tell you that he doesn’t want to hear your performance. Mr. President has no time to intervene in any case.”
“His case has not started under the current government,” said Olukorede, former head of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIS).
“Nigerians will agree with me and I promise I will review certain cases. That’s exactly what I’m doing.”
