By Samuel Oyejola
The British government has charged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to remain apolitical ahead of the 2019 general elections.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright said this when he visited the office of the commission on Wednesday.
Arkwright who was received by the Acting Chairman of the EFCC however advised the commission to join forces with the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that there is no vote buying.
Arkwright pointed out to the EFCC chairman that the commission should synergise with INEC to preserve the integrity of the political process through handling of investigation without prejudice to any side, following evidence and taking action where it is justified.
“INEC and EFCC should be there to preserve the integrity of the political process, including taking forward investigations without any prejudice on one side or the other, following the evidence and taking action where it is justified,” he said.
The British High Commissioner assured the EFCC Chairman of his government’s support in technical assistance and investigation to the commission.
He commended the anti-graft agency for its recent achievements in tackling corruption.
It would be recalled that the EFCC recently concluded the case of former governors of Taraba and Plateau states, Rev. Jolly Nyame and Senator Joshua Dariye who were convicted and sentenced by a Federal High Court in the FCT.
“We are pleased to see how the EFCC operates, and we are assuring you of the endless support of the British Government in the fight against corruption,” Arkwright said.
“The UK and Nigeria have evolved and made progress in the fight against corruption, and the EFCC’s achievements have been impressive,” he added.
In his remarks, the acting Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, appreciated the British Government for its support, and assured the independence of the EFCC in the discharge of its mandate.
“I assure you that there is no political interference in what we do. We will continue to work with stakeholders like INEC who we have an agreement with to ensure that there is no interference to ensure free and fair elections in Nigeria and we will stop people using money to buy votes.”
Magu explained that the EFCC operates international best practices, and engages diligent preliminary investigation.
“We do not invite anybody here if he is not found to be involved in one offence or crime and that is why when you come here, it takes a lot of efforts to be off the chain. Whatever case that comes to the EFCC is investigated to a logical conclusion. We take the case to court which gives the final decision,” he said.
