EFCC fires back at politicians, says anti-graft war targets corruption, not opposition

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has pushed back forcefully against claims by some political actors that its operations are being weaponised to target opposition figures, insisting that its mandate is strictly to fight corruption, irrespective of party affiliation.

In a strongly worded statement, the anti-graft agency described recent allegations of “politicisation,” “erosion of independence,” and “persecution of opposition politicians” as deliberate attempts to misrepresent its statutory responsibilities.

According to the Commission, its only “weapon” is the EFCC Establishment Act, which clearly mandates it to investigate and prosecute economic and financial crimes across board.

“The Commission’s weapon is its Establishment Act which provides the ground norm of its activities,” the EFCC said, adding that “The Act mandates the Commission to investigate and prosecute all economic and financial crimes.”

The EFCC stressed that the only individuals exempt from prosecution are political office holders enjoying constitutional immunity during their tenure, noting that once such immunity expires, all suspects are treated equally under the law.

Rejecting accusations of selective justice, the Commission said its records over the past two years show that prominent figures from both the ruling party and opposition have faced investigation and prosecution.

“Strong members of the ruling party such as former governors, ministers and others not publicly known are sharing tables with a motley number of opposition politicians as well and others,” the statement noted.

The Commission argued that portraying anti-corruption investigations as political persecution undermines the rule of law and weakens democratic accountability.

“Where is persecution in asking a suspect of corrupt practice to account for his sleaze?” the EFCC asked. “Is stealing, embezzlement of public funds, contract fraud and money laundering excusable for some?”

It further maintained that corruption does not recognise party lines, ethnicity, religion or ideology.

“Corruption has no gender, religion, tribe or political party. Selective outrage cannot be a defence against criminal investigation for graft,” the agency said.

The EFCC warned that attempts to pressure or intimidate it into dropping cases against opposition figures pose a greater threat to democracy than its investigations.

“What threatens democracy is not the EFCC doing its job, but the attempt to intimidate or blackmail it into abandoning investigations against corrupt politicians,” it stated.

The Commission accused some politicians of seeking to cloak themselves in opposition status as a shield against prosecution.

“What the so-called opposition politicians are seeking is far from altruistic, but a veiled attempt to confer immunity from prosecution on politicians who suddenly find themselves in the opposition,” the EFCC said.

It categorically ruled out bowing to pressure or conducting “inconclusive investigations” merely to appear non-selective.

“The Commission will not succumb to blackmail or be railroaded into abandoning its mandate,” it declared.

The EFCC also cautioned against calls to amend its enabling law to suit what it described as “the whims of a disgruntled section of the political class,” warning that such moves may not serve national interest.

The agency called on Nigerians to support its anti-corruption drive.

“We enjoin all well-meaning, reform-minded and patriotic Nigerians to join hands with the EFCC in this dignity-restoring mandate,” the statement said.