More reactions have started trailing the planned national protests by some persons against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday.
The latest came from the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Against Corruption in Nigeria (CSOACN), which condemned the plots, urging security agencies to intervene and halt moves by some individuals to distract the anti-graft agency from its ongoing investigation into high-profile cases.
The CSO bodies alleged that powerful persons under the radar of the EFCC were behind the planned protests, using their loyalists and supporters as fronts.
The Convener, Mr Bashir Abdulganiu, in a statement in Abuja on Friday, called on Nigerians to resist any plans by sponsored persons to frustrate the anti-corruption efforts of the current administration of President Bola Tinubu and his ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’
The groups noted, “We have observed the unfortunate situation where some persons under investigation by the anti-graft agency have resorted to blackmail and incitement on social media and elsewhere in an attempt to stoke negative sentiments against the EFCC in a bid to sway the opinions of Nigerians against the anti-corruption crusade of this administration.
“This is totally unacceptable and we condemn in strong terms, all those who are directly or remotely connected with this act as nothing will stop Mr President and the EFCC from logically prosecuting the fight against corruption, cybercrimes, and other financial crimes.
“This is a just fight and there is no hiding place for anyone under this administration.”
The Coalition urged security agencies under the coordination of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to act patriotically and ensure that no sponsored protests take place anywhere in the country.
According to members of the coalition, any protests now are merely intended to distract the EFCC from performing its duties.
They said, “As a patriot, we have full confidence in the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and we urge him to deploy all the resources at his disposal to ensure that these staged protests do not happen.”
CSOACN, while passing a vote of confidence in the EFCC and its Chairman, Mr Ola Olukayode, for tirelessly fighting to secure the future and reputation of Nigeria, groups maintained that Nigeria’s future would be imperiled if the country further degenerates in its global perception as a den of fraudsters.
It added, “We hereby pass a vote of confidence on the EFCC boss for his dogged and untiring commitment to sanitising our country.
“In a country like ours, it is normal for corruption to fight back but we are confident that the EFCC will triumph against all falsehood and diversionary tactics employed by enemies of the state.
“The number of high-profile cases currently under investigation such will surely be completed regardless of the little setbacks.
“The EFCC will not be deterred even if its operational capacity threatens some persons.”
The coalition acknowledged the right of citizens to protest in a democracy but urged Nigerians, especially the youth, to discern carefully to avoid being deceived by some persons for their own selfish interests.
CSOACN appealed to parents, guardians, and heads of tertiary institutions to take responsibility in ensuring that their wards are not recruited to be used as cannon fodders in a proxy war against the EFCC by vested interests” trying to frustrate its work.
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