EFCC warns politicians against using public funds for campaigns

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned politicians against deploying public funds for electoral campaigns.

The Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, who was represented by the Zonal Head of Operations, Lagos, Mr. Iliyasu Kwarbai, at a roundtable meeting convened by the Partners for Electoral Reforms and Civil Society Network Against Corruption in Lagos, gave the warning on Monday.

In a statement by the Acting Head, Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, Lamorde reiterated that the EFCC while being mindful of the need to insulate itself from partisan politics, it would   nevertheless continue to perform its statutory duties as contained in its establishment Act.

He said the commission would not hesitate to invoke its powers  as contained in Section 7 Sub Section 1 (a)(b) of the EFCC Act, to 'cause  investigations  to be conducted as to whether any person, corporate body or organisation has committed any offence under the act or other law relating to economic and financial crimes.'

He also advised politicians to abide by the rules and regulations guiding electoral issues.

Coordinator of Civil Society Network Against Corruption, Mr. Suraj Olanrewaju, explained that the forum was meant to discuss the independence of anti-corruption agencies in the run up to the 2015 elections, while making critical assessment of citizen vigilance and oversight of anti-corruption agencies in the build up to the elections.

The meeting also discussed political parties and their preparedness for the elections.