By Isaac Aregbesola
Abuja, Jan. 8 (NAN) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a stark warning against what it describes as a coordinated and well-funded campaign of character assassination. The agency alleges that politicians and vested interest groups, linked to suspects under its investigation or prosecution, are orchestrating these attacks.
In a detailed statement released on Thursday in Abuja, EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, outlined a concerning strategy. He revealed that a “motley crowd of paid jobbers” has been recruited by disgruntled elements to launch sponsored media assaults. The primary target of this smear campaign is the Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, and the institution’s reputation itself, with fabricated allegations of political bias in its anti-corruption mandate.
“Their objective is twofold,” Oyewale explained. “First, to befuddle and confuse the public regarding the commission’s work. Second, and more critically, to engage in scaremongering—to intimidate the EFCC into a timid and hesitant mode of operation.” The ultimate goal, he clarified, is to create a chilling effect, making the commission reluctant to investigate powerful opposition figures for fear of being labelled as a partisan tool of the government.
This context is crucial. The EFCC, as Nigeria’s primary anti-graft agency, has historically operated in a highly politicized environment. Its actions are often interpreted through a partisan lens, regardless of legal merits. The current warning suggests a pre-emptive move to shield its operations from the intense political pressures that typically escalate as elections approach.
Oyewale indicated that this campaign of calumny is likely to intensify significantly as the political arena becomes “charged in the months leading to the 2027 general election.” This is a predictable pattern in Nigerian politics, where anti-corruption agencies face immense pressure and character attacks during election cycles.
“The commission wishes to put those recruited into this ignoble enterprise on notice that their activities are under close watch,” the spokesman stated firmly. “The EFCC will not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.” He reiterated the commission’s foundational principle of political neutrality in all its activities.
To bolster this claim of impartiality, Oyewale provided concrete evidence often missing from such declarations. “As a matter of fact, several strong members of both the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the commission,” he stated. This detail is vital, as it moves the defense from a simple denial to an assertion backed by the reality of its caseload.
He further clarified a point of frequent public misunderstanding: the legal principle of presumption of innocence. “Commentaries about the presumption of innocence of a defendant in court are in line with the provisions of the Constitution and not intended as a defence of any individual or group,” Oyewale said. This addresses critics who may interpret standard legal procedures as the EFCC showing leniency.
In a firm conclusion, the EFCC spokesman drew a clear line in the sand. The commission, he asserted, “will not be pressured or blackmailed into making public disclosures of politically exposed persons being investigated for alleged corruption cases.” This stance protects the integrity of ongoing investigations but also highlights the tension between public accountability and operational secrecy.
“The EFCC reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement concluded, sending a clear message that the ongoing campaigns, while noted, will not alter its course.
(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
IAA/KAE
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Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman
