.Says ‘protest” by opposition parties ploy to evade probe, prosecution
.As Segun Showunmi says anti-corruption fight not a threat to democracy
BLESSING OMALE, Abuja and MICHAEL-AZEEZ OGUNSIJI, Abeokuta
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has firmly rejected allegations by some opposition politicians that it is being used as a political weapon, insisting that its operations are guided strictly by law and not partisan considerations.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, the anti-graft agency described recent claims of “weaponisation,” “politicisation,” and “erosion of independence” as calculated attempts to misrepresent its statutory mandate and discredit its work.
The statement, signed by the Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said the EFCC’s authority is derived solely from its Establishment Act, which mandates the Commission to investigate and prosecute all economic and financial crimes without regard to political affiliation.
According to the Commission, the only individuals exempt from prosecution are serving political office holders who enjoy constitutional immunity, stressing that once such immunity lapses, they are equally
liable to investigation and prosecution.
“The Commission’s weapon is its Establishment Act. Suspects of corrupt practices from the ruling party, opposition parties and non-partisan backgrounds have no immunity and are being equally investigated and prosecuted”, the EFCC said.
The EFCC noted that a review of arrests and prosecutions over the past two years under the current leadership shows that influential members of both the ruling party and the opposition—including former governors, ministers and other high-profile individuals—have been subjected to investigation.
It argued that this record contradicts claims that the agency selectively targets opposition figures for political advantage.
“The EFCC is faithful only to its mandate and nothing else,” the statement said, dismissing as untenable insinuations that the Commission is deliberately weakening opposition parties for the benefit of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Questioning the logic of the accusations, the Commission asked whether demanding accountability from suspects accused of corruption could reasonably be described as persecution.
“Is stealing, embezzlement of public funds, contract fraud, money laundering and other corrupt practices excusable for some?” the statement queried, adding that corruption transcends gender, religion, ethnicity and political affiliation.
The EFCC warned against what it described as “selective outrage,” saying public protests and political statements cannot shield any individual from lawful investigation.
According to the Commission, the real danger to democracy lies not in enforcing anti-corruption laws, but in attempts to intimidate or blackmail investigators into abandoning cases involving influential political figures.
“What threatens democracy is not the EFCC doing its job, but efforts to coerce it into dropping investigations against alleged corrupt opposition politicians for fear of accusations of selectivity,” it said.
The agency further accused some politicians of attempting to exploit their opposition status to secure immunity from prosecution, describing such efforts as unconstitutional and contrary to the EFCC’s enabling law.
“This assault on the Commission is a veiled attempt to confer immunity on politicians who suddenly find themselves in the opposition,” the EFCC said, stressing that the law compels it to act on any credible evidence of graft regardless of political leaning.
The Commission also rejected suggestions that it should water down investigations or amend its enabling Act to appease disgruntled political actors, warning that such steps may not serve the national interest.
It reaffirmed its resolve not to succumb to blackmail or conduct inconclusive investigations in the name of appearing non-selective.
The EFCC concluded by calling on reform-minded and patriotic Nigerians to support its anti-corruption drive, describing the mandate as essential to restoring integrity and public confidence in governance.
.As Segun Showunmi says anti-corruption fight not a threat to democracy
Otunba Segun Showunmi, a prominent Nigerian politician and convener of The Alternative Movement has defended the country’s anti-corruption agencies, saying their efforts are not a threat to democracy.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Monday, Showunmi emphasized that opposition status is not a licence to steal or a shield against accountability, stressing that no one is above the law.
Recall that opposition leaders led by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President, Senator David Mark had accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of weaponizing the anti-graft agency, EFCC to intimidate opposition parties in the country.
They said there was a discerning pattern of persecution of the opposition by the EFCC with the sole objective of weakening the same for the benefit of the ruling APC.
According to the opposition leaders, the pattern mirrors a longstanding sentiment openly expressed years ago by a former National Chairman of the ruling APC, Adams Oshiomole, who declared when receiving defectors from PDP: “once you have joined APC, all your sins are forgiven”.
They argued that the statement symbolized a troubling reality, with allegations against members of the ruling party routinely perceived to be overlooked, stressing that unsubstantiated accusations against the opposition figures are vigorously pursued and subjected to media trial.
But Segun Showunmi noted that investigations and prosecutions carried out by agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are lawful and do not violate fundamental rights.
Showunmi urged citizens to respect due process and allow the law to take its course, saying those with clean hands have nothing to fear.
The statement comes amid controversy surrounding investigations into alleged corruption by public officials, with some politicians claiming victimization.
“Nigeria’s democracy is not under threat because public officials are being investigated. It is under threat when political actors attempt to weaponise opposition status as immunity from the law.
“Let it be stated plainly: opposition is not a license to steal, and it is not a shield against accountability.
“The Nigerian Constitution is clear. It mandates the State to abolish corruption and abuse of power. It does not create exemptions for opposition leaders, former office holders, or political coalitions.
The only immunity recognised by law is limited, specific, and temporary and it ends when a public officer leaves office.
“Investigation Is not persecution. The EFCC and other anti-graft agencies are legally bound to investigate allegations of economic and financial crimes. Investigation, arrest, and prosecution when carried out within the law do not violate fundamental rights.
This is settled by the Supreme Court, not by political press conferences.
“Calling investigation “victimisation” does not make it so. It only signals an attempt to pre-empt justice with propaganda.”
Showunmi maintained that, his position highlights the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability in governance.
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