The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has alleged that a former governor and two ex-ministers are behind planned protests aimed at discrediting the agency. This revelation was made by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, during a press briefing at the Strategic Communications Inter-agency Policy Committee in Abuja. Oyewale noted that the agency had previously warned about these protests, which are reportedly being organized by groups seeking to undermine the EFCC’s efforts.
In a significant turn of events, 259 civil society organizations, under the Coalition for Transparency and Economic Reform, have withdrawn their participation in the planned protests. According to Oyewale, these groups distanced themselves after learning about the involvement of the former governmental officials, which they believed compromised the integrity of the protests. Oyewale emphasized that the protests are not in the nation’s best interest and cautioned youths against being manipulated into participating.
Oyewale reiterated that the attacks on the EFCC are a response to the commission’s ongoing fight against corruption. He highlighted that the agency’s effectiveness naturally provokes resistance from those affected by its actions. The EFCC urged the public to remain vigilant and not to be swayed by misleading narratives. Oyewale also called on parents and guardians to dissuade their children from joining protests about issues they do not fully understand, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to its anti-corruption mission.