Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has firmly denied claims that the agency is being used by President Bola Tinubu to suppress opposition voices, describing such allegations as distractions aimed at derailing the government’s focus.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Olukoyede emphasized President Tinubu’s commitment to performance and accountability, stating that the president does not interfere with EFCC operations.
“I think Nigerians should appreciate the kind of president we have at this time, and I am being serious about it,” Olukoyede said. “The man doesn’t have time for these issues. People are just trying to distract the working president.”
He highlighted that President Tinubu is more concerned about results and performance than political vendettas. “Those who work closely with him know that his body language is always, ‘What have you done? How much have you recovered?’”
Addressing allegations that the EFCC disproportionately targets critics of the administration, Olukoyede pointed to the agency’s records, which he said show that members of the ruling party have also been investigated and prosecuted.
“If you check the statistics, especially in high-profile cases, you will find more members of the ruling party among those we’ve investigated and filed charges against. We must be judged fairly,” he said.
He stressed that the commission is apolitical and committed to justice regardless of political affiliation. “To ignore individuals simply because they are not in the ruling party would be unfair and an injustice,” he added.
In a bid to ensure internal accountability, Olukoyede disclosed that 27 EFCC staff have been dismissed for misconduct since he assumed office, reiterating the agency’s commitment to integrity and credibility.
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