Scores of activists took to the streets of Lagos on Saturday, condemning what they perceive as the misuse of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) platform by opposition forces to target perceived enemies. The activists,
representing over 80 Human Rights Civil Society Organisations under the Citizens Action Against Lawlessness umbrella, criticized calls for the arrest of former Governor Yahaya Bello and urged the EFCC to uphold the rule of law.The activists accused certain individuals, allegedly affiliated with opposition figures in Kogi State, of orchestrating calls for Bello's arrest. They labeled these individuals as tools in the hands of desperate political actors seeking to undermine the integrity of the EFCC. Segun Abegunde, Co-Convener of the Joint CSOs platform, emphasized that the motives behind these calls were not only mischievous but also aimed at political persecution rather than legitimate corruption investigation.
Abegunde warned of potential chaos and crisis escalation if these calls for Bello's arrest were heeded, suggesting that the aim of the instigators was to provoke a state of emergency in the state. He highlighted concerns about plans to use military force and fake soldiers to apprehend Bello, portraying these actions as desperate attempts to disrupt peace and stability in the region.
The activists commended the EFCC for prioritizing the rule of law and urged the Commission to remain steadfast in the face of political pressure. They emphasized the need for unbiased investigation processes and cautioned against succumbing to external influences that could compromise the integrity of the institution.
The protest by activists underscores growing concerns about the politicization of law enforcement agencies and the potential consequences of using them as tools for political vendettas. As calls for Bello's arrest persist, the EFCC faces a crucial test in upholding its mandate while navigating through complex political dynamics.
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