Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has firmly rejected claims that President Bola Tinubu is using the agency to suppress opposition voices in Nigeria.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Olukoyede dismissed such accusations as mere distractions aimed at diverting attention from the president’s actual responsibilities.
“I think Nigerians should appreciate the kind of president we have at this time, and I am being serious about it. It is not because I am occupying this position,” Olukoyede said, asserting his belief in the president’s dedication to the nation’s progress. He noted that anyone who closely works with President Tinubu, especially members of the federal executive council and heads of agencies, would understand the president’s focused approach. “Any time you see Mr. President, the body language is ‘look, what have you done? How much have you recovered?’”
Olukoyede was clear in stating that the president does not meddle in the operations of the EFCC.
“The man doesn’t have time for this issue, people are just trying to distract the government, they are just trying to distract the working president. Those who are close to him will tell you he doesn’t want to hear anything apart from the performance,” he added, reinforcing his stance that the president’s attention is firmly on achieving results for the country.
In addressing allegations that the EFCC disproportionately targets critics of the administration, Olukoyede pointed to the agency’s records as evidence to the contrary. He explained that the EFCC has been investigating and prosecuting individuals from all political backgrounds, including those from the ruling party.
“If you check the statistics of our work, the area of investigation, prosecution, particularly high-profile cases, you will perhaps find more members of the ruling party, some of the cases we have done. So, we must be judged fairly,” he said.
The EFCC chairman also emphasized that no one, regardless of their political affiliation, is exempt from scrutiny. “You will find prominent members of the ruling party as part of the people we have investigated and filed charges against,” he stated. Olukoyede reiterated that ignoring individuals who oppose the ruling party would be an injustice and undermine the credibility of the EFCC.
On the subject of internal accountability within the EFCC, Olukoyede revealed that 27 personnel have been dismissed for misconduct since he assumed office. He underscored the importance of maintaining integrity within the agency, noting that such efforts were crucial for sustaining the public’s trust in the commission’s operations.
