A
Coalition of Civil Society groups have cautioned the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC, over what it termed as the attempt to intimidate,
blackmail and harass the former Deputy Governor and Senator from Osun State,
Senator Iyiola Omisore.
Addressing
newsmen in Lagos on Monday, the group says it is seriously concerned about
the media trail and campaign of calumny by the EFCC against Senator Omisore,
citing the involvement of a company which Senator is said to have links with,
as being involved in the Arms deal scandal involving the Office of the former
National Security adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki.
“Let us
state categorically, that we support ongoing efforts in respect of the
anti-corruption war of the Federal Government and all lawful steps taken to
deal with infraction on public expenditure. It is however clear that the
approach being taken by the EFCC, particularly its attack on Senator Iyiola
Omisore, is daily showing pure political vendetta and sheer act of intimidation
against a members of the opposition political party, whose sole offense to
reasonable observers is their loud but factual criticism of the Federal
Government which is a critical ingredient of constitutional democracy.”
Spokesman
of the coalition, Dr. Tokunbo Elias said “The EFCC can no longer continue to be
the accuser, prosecutor and judge in the fight against corruption.
He reminded
the EFCC, that it is the constitutionally guaranteed right on every Nigerians,
to be given fair hearing at all times and any attempt by the EFCC and the
incumbent administration to circumvent the law for political reasons, will be
resisted by Nigerians.
The
EFCC must desist from its mafia-like mode of operation because it is clearly an
act of intimidation and a suppression of our democracy and a violent violation
of the right of Nigerians to fair hearing, even when they have cases to answer.
“As
stakeholders in the polity, we cannot
continue to ignore the fact that the strong arm tactics of the EFCC is now
being targeted at the opponents of the present administration and this is unhealthy
for our democracy”.
The
group therefore signified its intention to formally protest the actions of the
EFCC, by submitting a protest letter against the commission, to the
Commission’s office, Embassies and offices of Diplomatic missions in the country.
The
group call on all lovers of democracy in Nigeria, to stand up to the assault on
the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy as we don't know whose turn it would be
next.
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