Bola Badmus
The President-elect, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, has been charged to focus on the fight against corruption, being one of the greatest challenges facing Nigeria, noting that corruption was evil and must be fought with strong institutions, without interference by politically exposed persons.
A pan-Yoruba organization, Oodua Nationalist Coalition (ONAC), advised on Monday at a press conference which took place in Maryland, Lagos.
ONAC, which comprises 25 pan-Yoruba groups, also rejected the call for the sack of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, saying that removing the Anti-graft agency boss at this time would weaken the institution and encourage political interference in the affairs of the Commission.
Speaking at the press conference, Mr Tunde Adeleke, said corruption remained one of the major problems frustrating Nigeria as a Nation and, therefore, the citizens must compel the President-elect, Asiwaju Tinubu, and other newly elected state governors, National and State lawmakers to fight corruption decisively, warning that the country risked going into pieces if otherwise.
He, however, cautioned against interfering in the anti-corruption mode of prosecuting corrupt people, saying such would portray the incoming administration as supporting and aiding graft.
According to Adeleke, Nigeria needs strong institutions to achieve the goal, even as he cautioned that EFCC must never be allowed to be subjected to political influences.
“We must never allow the EFCC to be subjected to political influences,” he cautioned.
Speaking further, Adeleke said it was shameful that politicians had been insisting that the EFCC Chairman should be removed, noting that it would be suspicious if the incoming administration falls into the hands of EFCC detractors.
“If the incoming administration is committed to fighting corruption, it will be suspicious if it falls into the hands of EFCC detractors.
“While we recognize the shortcomings of the EFCC, we are also conscious of the historic intervention of the Anti-graft agency in promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria,” he said.
This was just as he disclosed that ONAC was resolved to join the growing national call to save the EFCC from political interference, saying that the body was currently working with other organizations across the country to achieve the objective.
“We are currently working with other organizations across the country, especially ethnic groups in the Niger- Delta, Middle- Belt, North- West and North- East to mobilize against any attempt to impose a rookie on the EFCC for political reasons. The ethnic groups represent the culture, values and heritage of Nigerians.
“We are in the best position to resist this attempt to remove the EFCC Chairman for political reasons,” he said.
“The removal of the head of such a strategic organization cannot be in the interest of Nigerians at this moment. We on the other hand call on politically exposed persons to stop the attacks on the EFCC.
“Bawa should be allowed to complete the ongoing investigations against some important political figures, including those in the ruling party, APC, who are desperate to ensure the removal of the EFCC Chairman, hiding under the illogical proposition that he has failed to obey Court Orders.
“In law, if the EFCC Chairman fails to obey court order, the aggrieved should file contempt proceedings. Jumping to the rash conclusion that he should be removed is unreasonable, self-serving and unproductive,” he added.
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