The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reacted to the comments credited to Governor Bala Mohammed of Bala Mohammed, that the agency is being used to target his administration because of his political feud with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Reacting in a statement issued on Friday, the anti-graft agency described the claims as baseless and misleading, insisting that it operates independently and without political interference.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, views with great displeasure the claims of Bauchi State Governor, His Excellency, Bala Mohammed about the Commission being used by political opponents, particularly the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to persecute him and his aides,” the statement read.
The commission said the allegations were “as wild as they are far-fetched,” stressing that it is a non-partisan institution established to combat economic and financial crimes.
“The EFCC is an independent agency created to fight economic and financial crimes. The Commission is non-partisan and discharges its mandate without affection or ill will. The attempt to portray it as a pliable agency that panders to the demands of certain political interests is therefore mischievous and condemnable,” it added.
The EFCC further described it as derogatory for the governor to suggest that its activities in Bauchi State were influenced by the FCT minister, noting that no political office holder has the power to interfere with its investigations.
“If Bala Mohammed wants to be honest, he would have revealed to Nigerians that he was standing trial for money laundering at the time he won election as governor of Bauchi State. Only the constitutional immunity from prosecution, which his current office attracts, has put that case in abeyance,” the commission stated.
It also questioned who influenced its investigation and prosecution of Mohammed in 2016, pointing out that charges against some Bauchi State government officials are already before the court.
“In the instant case, the facts against some officials of Bauchi State government are already placed before the court. Members of the public can access the charges and decide for themselves whether the case is borne out of vendetta or is a product of painstaking investigation by the EFCC,” the statement said.
Addressing claims relating to terrorism financing, the EFCC said such allegations were an attempt to divert attention, adding that it is duty-bound to act where offences are established under existing laws.
The commission urged politicians to prioritise public accountability, warning against selective outrage when corruption allegations involve opposition figures.
“It is the height of hypocrisy for opposition politicians to be quick to scream persecution each time an opposition figure is called to account but are mute when a member of the ruling party faces the same ordeal,” the EFCC stated.
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