The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has debunked claims by the governor of Bauchi State Bala Mohammed that Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory is behind the commission’s move to persecute him, his commissioner of finance and other aides of allegation of terrorism financing.
In a statement released on X on Friday, the EFCC described Mohammed’s outburst that the commission is being used by Wike and political opponents as a wild claim and far-fetched.
The statement described the commission as an independent and non-partisan agency created to fight economic and financial crimes.
It also said that the commission discharges its mandate without affection or ill will and that the attempt by the governor or any individual to portray it as a pliable agency that panders to the demands of certain political interests is therefore mischievous and condemnable.
“It is derogatory for Mohammed to ascribe the Commission’s activities in Bauchi State to the Influence of Mr Wike. It is important to state that no political office holder is in a position to influence the investigative activities of the Commission.
“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.
“Who also influenced the Commission to investigate him in 2016 and charge him to court?” the commission queried.
It further noted that there are evidential facts tabled before the agency against several officials of the Bauchi State government which members of the public can access and make deductions for themselves.
The commission also noted that the proof that is already before the court mentioned Governor Mohammed as the approving authority in the charge.
Further accusing the governor of crying wolf over the matter, the EFCC said it did not invent the law and where there are offences punishable by extant laws, the commission will be failing in its responsibility to do otherwise.
“Public accountability should be the priority of politicians of all persuasions. 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.
“Recently the Commission arraigned a ranking member of the ruling party in court for alleged corruption, and not a whimper of persecution was heard from any of the political divide.
“Governor Mohammed should face the governance of Bauchi State and allow the EFCC focus more on cleaning the financial space of the nation, in line with its assigned mandate,” it stated.
