EFCC Boss Denies Political Influence, Defends Investigation of Okowa and Others
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has firmly rejected accusations that the commission is being used for political vendettas or blackmailing opposition figures to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking on television on Wednesday, Olukoyede refuted claims that the EFCC’s investigation of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was linked to his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
Olukoyede clarified that the EFCC remains committed to its core mandate of tackling corruption without political interference. He emphasized, “We have not been involved in politics. We do our work based on the law and in line with our mandate, which is to investigate anyone involved in financial crimes, regardless of their political affiliation.”
Addressing the allegations that the EFCC was targeting political opponents, the EFCC boss stated that the commission’s focus remains solely on financial crimes. “I am not a politician, and none of my operatives are either,” he said. “Our mandate is clear, and if we discover that anyone, regardless of their party affiliation, has stolen public funds, they will face investigation.”
Olukoyede pointed out that EFCC has investigated and prosecuted prominent figures from both the ruling party and the opposition, reaffirming that their sole mission is to fight corruption. On Okowa’s case, he questioned why the former governor’s investigation was being singled out, noting that numerous ex-governors have been invited for questioning under his leadership.
He also stressed that President Bola Tinubu has never interfered with the commission’s work, citing the president’s focus on the performance of government agencies to improve the country’s economy. “Mr. President is more concerned with our performance and enhancing the economy. He doesn’t interfere with the EFCC’s work,” Olukoyede asserted.
The EFCC boss addressed the case of the former National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) chief, Usman Yusuf, stating that the investigation was not new and had been ongoing even before the current administration took office. Olukoyede concluded by reaffirming his commitment to reviewing past cases and carrying out the commission’s mandate impartially and efficiently.
