EFCC Chairman Nominee – Ola Olukoyede Cites Akpabio As Example Of Corruption Investigation, Sparks Drama In Senate.
During his screening on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday, Mr Ola Olukoyede, the nominee for the position of Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), cited the name of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, as an example in his presentation on investigating a graft case. However, he suddenly stopped when he noticed the mood of lawmakers in the Chamber.
“If we are investigating the Senate President for example…” Olukoyede said, prompting lawmakers to burst into laughter.
The laughter became louder when Akpabio himself told the EFCC Chairman nominee not to use his name as an example in the investigation of a corruption case.
“I’m very glad that the nominee wants to use the Senate President as an example,” Akpabio said. “But Mr nominee, leave the Senate President for now, look at this direction (pointing at the seats of opposition lawmakers).”
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Olukoyede, after the loud laughter, continued his speech without mentioning anyone’s name, saying, “If you are fighting corruption, you become the enemy of everybody.”
It is important to note that Akpabio has a N108.1 billion alleged theft of funds case before the EFCC. The commission started investigation of the former Akwa Ibom governor after a petition by an Abuja-based lawyer and activist, Leo Ekpenyong. The commission had detained Akpabio over alleged fraud, but he has consistently maintained innocence. Meanwhile, the status of the case is currently unknown.
The incident in the Senate on Wednesday sparked a debate about the independence of the EFCC and its ability to investigate high-profile corruption cases. Some people argued that Olukoyede’s decision to cite Akpabio as an example was a sign of his independence and commitment to fighting corruption. Others argued that it was unwise of him to do so, as it could put him in the bad books of the Senate President.
It remains to be seen whether Olukoyede will be confirmed as the next EFCC Chairman. However, the incident in the Senate has served as a reminder of the challenges that the agency faces in its fight against corruption in Nigeria.
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Olukoyede Cites Akpabio As Example Of Corruption.
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