Group Cautions EFCC Over Harassment of Senator Omisore
A Coalition of Civil Society groups have cautioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over what it termed as the attempt to intimidate, blackmail and harass the former Deputy Governor and Senator from Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore.
Addressing newsmen in Lagos on Monday, the group says it is seriously concerned about the media trail and campaign of calumny by the EFCC against Senator Omisore, citing the involvement of a company which Senator is said to have links with, as being involved in the Arms deal scandal involving the Office of the former National Security adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki.
“Let us state categorically, that we support ongoing efforts in respect of the anti-corruption war of the Federal Government and all lawful steps taken to deal with infraction on public expenditure. It is however clear that the approach being taken by the EFCC, particularly its attack on Senator Iyiola Omisore, is daily showing pure political vendetta and sheer act of intimidation against a members of the opposition political party, whose sole offense to reasonable observers is their loud but factual criticism of the Federal Government which is a critical ingredient of constitutional democracy.”
Spokesman of the coalition, Dr. Tokunbo Elias said “The EFCC can no longer continue to be the accuser, prosecutor and judge in the fight against corruption”.
He reminded the EFCC, that it is the constitutionally guaranteed right on every Nigerians, to be given fair hearing at all times and any attempt by the EFCC and the incumbent administration to circumvent the law for political reasons, will be resisted by Nigerians.
The EFCC must desist from its mafia-like mode of operation because it is clearly an act of intimidation and a suppression of our democracy and a violent violation of the right of Nigerians to fair hearing, even when they have cases to answer.
“As stakeholders in the polity, we cannot continue to ignore the fact that the strong arm tactics of the EFCC is now being targeted at the opponents of the present administration and this is unhealthy for our democracy”.
The group therefore signified its intention to formally protest the actions of the EFCC, by submitting a protest letter against the commission, to the Commission’s office, Embassies and offices of Diplomatic missions in the country.
The group call on all lovers of democracy in Nigeria, to stand up to the assault on the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy as we don't know whose turn it would be next.