Impunity - We’re not after leaders of APC, other parties – EFCC

The Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Lamorde, has urged politicians against dragging the commission into politics in order to garner support ahead of the forthcoming general election.

Speaking at the commission’s special publication, “Red Alert”, on Monday, Mr. Lamorde said the commission will no longer tolerate “desperate” individuals who drag it into politics. He cautioned politicians against ascribing political motives to the commission’s activities.

“The EFCC does not need the prompting of anybody to open investigation against anyone that has violated the law. But it does the nation no good when politicians seek to use the name of the Commission to further their political objectives,” Mr. Lamorde said.

Mr. Lamorde denied that a letter was sent to the commission directing it to investigate some political figures. Mr. Lamorde said the claim was unfounded and unfortunate.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, had said there were moves by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP-led government to arrest its leaders.
He also described as rumours, reports that the EFCC was planning to arrest leaders of a political party. He also denied a letter in circulation claiming that the anti-graft agency was investigating a former education minister.

On corrupt politicians contesting various electoral positions, Mr. Lamorde said Nigeria’s constitution needs to be amended in a way that would presume suspects guilty until proven otherwise.

He said with good laws suspects would have to be acquitted of the charges against them before being appointed in to positions of authorities.

Unemployment and fraud

Mr. Lamorde called on members of the public to be cautious of the operations of fraudsters in order not to fall victim of their antics.

“Many of our youths, desperate to get employment have fallen into the hands of fraudsters who dupe them of the little cash at their disposal,” he said.

He also warned job seekers to be wary of various scam methods used by fraudsters especially those who send false notices of recruitment or open websites to defraud these jobseekeers.