A coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organisations has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to remain steadfast and unwavering in its fight against corruption.
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The appeal comes amid allegations targeting the commission, with opposition figures accusing it of acting at the behest of the presidency.
Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has also weighed in, urging EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede to step aside from investigations involving him, alleging bias and describing the probe as a personal vendetta.
However, a press statement obtained on Wednesday, signed Hon. Comrade Gloria Okolugbo, Coordinator, Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organisations, accused politicians of throwing up allegations against the commission in order to evade lawful investigation.
It declared that Nigerians would not allow “unsubstantiated allegations, media grandstanding, or claims of personal vendetta to undermine an ongoing anti-corruption process.”
The coalition clearly affirmed that “Section 6 of the Act expressly mandates the EFCC to investigate economic and financial crimes, enforce all laws relating to corruption and illicit financial conduct, and trace, freeze, seize, and confiscate proceeds of crime.
“These powers apply to all persons, without exception, and without immunity for former public office holders, including former Attorneys-General.”
It rejected calls for Olukayode’s resignation, insisting that the present EFCC Chairman must continue to preside over the matter.
“There is no legal or moral basis for calls for his recusal. Under Section 7(1)(a)–(c) of the Act, the Commission is empowered to cause investigations to be conducted into the properties and financial activities of any person where reasonable suspicion exists, to obtain information from any individual or institution, and to initiate and supervise prosecutions arising from such investigations.
“Nowhere in the Act is a suspect granted the right to dictate who leads or supervises an investigation into their conduct.
“Allowing a person under investigation to demand the removal of the head of an anti-corruption agency would set a dangerous precedent and amount to institutional capitulation. Such a demand is alien to the law and represents a clear attempt to obstruct justice.
“The extraordinary level of noise, threats, and preemptive accusations being deployed by Mr. Malami only reinforces the public interest in a thorough and transparent investigation.
“If there is nothing to hide, there should be no fear of lawful inquiry. Those who once exercised prosecutorial authority over others should be the first to submit themselves calmly to the same legal processes they once enforced.
“For years, Nigerians have witnessed a disturbing contrast between the immense personal wealth openly displayed by some former public officials and the daily hardship endured by ordinary citizens.
“Assets, lifestyles, and financial flows that raise legitimate questions must be accounted for. This investigation is not persecution; it is accountability.
“We therefore reaffirm our full and unambiguous support for the EFCC in the discharge of its statutory duties.
“Under Section 38 of the EFCC Act, the Commission is empowered to investigate and prosecute offences relating to economic and financial crimes.
“Its mandate is simple and lawful: to follow the money and allow the courts to determine the outcome.
“No amount of intimidation, political posturing, or media theatrics should be allowed to derail this process.
“Nigeria must seize this moment to reaffirm a fundamental democratic principle: no one is above the law, and no individual may bully anti-corruption institutions into retreat,” the coalition declared.
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