In response to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) decision to reopen investigations into the alleged N772bn fraud cases involving some former state governors and ministers, Nigerians are urging the anti-graft agency to ensure the prosecution of those implicated in the embezzlement of public funds.
Various stakeholders, including civil society groups, lawyers, and concerned Nigerians, voiced their expectations in separate interviews with Findwhosabi on Sunday. They emphasized the importance of recovering the N772bn from the accused ex-governors and ministers.
The EFCC has revisited money laundering cases against 13 former governors and some ex-ministers, with the total amount involved reportedly exceeding N772.2bn. Simultaneously, the agency is investigating an alleged N81.6bn looting in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and another $2.2bn linked to figures like former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki, late media mogul Raymond Dokpesi, former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa, and former Minister of State for Finance Bashir Yuguda.
Prominent figures under EFCC scrutiny include former governors Kayode Fayemi, Bello Matawalle, Chimaroke Nnamani, Sullivan Chime, Abdullahi Adamu, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Sule Lamido, Godswill Akpabio, and others. However, some Nigerians, such as former Governor Lamido, asserted that their cases had been resolved.
Responding to the development, Nigerians commended the EFCC for reviving the fraud cases. Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, highlighted the agency’s constitutional mandate to investigate and emphasized the court’s role in determining culpability.
Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre’s Executive Director, Auwal Rafsanjani, praised Nigerians for supporting the EFCC’s efforts to combat corruption but expressed concerns about the government’s commitment to pursuing accused individuals.
Lawyer Olamilekan Joseph urged the EFCC to avoid past mistakes and ensure a thorough investigation, echoing the sentiments of many concerned Nigerians. Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong emphasized the importance of tangible results over rhetoric, echoing the sentiments of Nigerians.
In a contrasting view, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticized the move, labeling it a political attempt to victimize opposition party members. PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor alleged a lack of fairness in the investigation and challenged the EFCC to scrutinize Senate President Akpabio’s alleged involvement in money laundering, a concern shared by many Nigerians.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) defended the EFCC’s actions, asserting the need for Nigerians to recover stolen funds within the bounds of the law. APC Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim countered PDP’s accusations, describing President Tinubu’s administration as transparent and tolerant.
While social media users expressed support for the EFCC’s efforts, some Nigerians called for credible evidence, acknowledging the challenges the anti-graft agency might face. The unfolding case has sparked interest among Nigerians, with many hoping for a thorough investigation into the alleged corruption plaguing the nation.