The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has faulted claims by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, that the anti-graft agency is being used by his political opponents, particularly the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to persecute him and officials of his administration.
In a statement on Friday, the Commission described the allegations as “wild, far-fetched, mischievous and condemnable,” insisting that it remains an independent, non-partisan agency discharging its mandate without fear or favour.
The EFCC said attempts to portray it as a pliable institution acting at the behest of political interests were misleading and derogatory, stressing that no political office holder has the power to influence its investigative activities.
“It is important to state that no political office holder is in a position to influence the investigative activities of the Commission,” the EFCC said, adding that linking its operations in Bauchi State to the influence of Wike was baseless.
The Commission further stated that Mohammed ought to have informed Nigerians that he was already standing trial for money laundering at the time he won election as governor in 2019, noting that only the constitutional immunity attached to his office halted the prosecution.
“Who influenced the Commission to investigate him in 2016 and charge him to court?” the EFCC queried.
On the ongoing cases involving some Bauchi State government officials, the Commission said the facts were already before the court and accessible to members of the public, who could judge for themselves whether the charges were driven by vendetta or the outcome of thorough investigations.
The EFCC also dismissed claims that issues of terrorism financing were being fabricated, stating that it merely enforces existing laws and would be failing in its duty if it ignored offences punishable under extant statutes.
The Commission accused politicians of hypocrisy, saying opposition figures are quick to cry persecution when called to account, but remain silent when members of the ruling party face similar scrutiny.
“Recently, the Commission arraigned a ranking member of the ruling party for alleged corruption, and no allegation of persecution was raised,” it noted.
The EFCC advised Governor Mohammed to focus on governance in Bauchi State and allow the Commission to continue its mandate of sanitising Nigeria’s financial system in the interest of public accountability.