The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has said that it is not in any
way influenced by the presidency before deciding which case to investigate or take
to court. It states that its activities are strictly guided by law and not by any
pressure from any quarters.
The Commission says in a statement on Sunday May 16 that the clarification has
become necessary following persistent insinuations in some media reports that the
anti-graft agency has come under pressure from the presidency to stop investigations
or trial of some people believed to be close to government.
“We wish to state emphatically that these insinuations are mere fabrications that
have no root in reality. The Commission and its leadership have enjoyed and continue
to receive enormous support from the presidency. This is an indication of the
present administration’s commitment to the war against graft in our country and
should therefore not be interpreted to mean that the EFCC is under the influence of
the presidency in the pursuit of its statutory responsibilities”, the statement
It also stated that the Commission finds it curious when accused persons find it
convenient to attribute their investigation or prosecution to their political foes
or political persecution without addressing the substance of their case or the
allegations for which they are being investigated or charged.
“In the same manner, we find it curious when some insinuate that the EFCC is under
pressure from the presidency to drop charges against some accused persons or give
some others soft landing. Contrary to these claims, the administration of President
Goodluck Jonathan has been fair to the Commission and has at no time interfered in
its statutory duties. We are strictly guided in our decisions by the facts of a
matter and not by any pressure from anywhere.
“As a result, we urge members of the public to disregard these insinuations as the
EFCC will continue to function under the dictates of the law and not from any other
quarter”, the statement added.
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