A group of protesters under the aegis of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on Friday staged a protest against what it called “selective justice” by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission.
The placard carrying students, who stormed the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, also described the commission’s actions against former Delta State governor, James Ibori as a “political witch hunt”.
Some of the placards read: ‘Respect court injuction’, ‘Leave Ibori to the law’, ‘EFCC must obey rule of law’, and ‘NANS says no to political witch hunting’.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Yinka Gbadebo, NANS Director of Action and Mobilisation, said it was wrong for EFCC to declare Mr. Ibori wanted days before the April 17 summon served him.
Mr. Gbadebo also condemned the commission’s action, stating that a Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State, restrained it from arresting the former governor, pending the determination of an earlier suit filed by Mr. Ibori.
“We want to sincerely advise the EFCC to carry out its holistic duties without prejudice or sentiment. All actions of the EFCC must be in conformity with the rule of law. Ibori should be re-arrested if a prima-facie case is established against him by a competent court of jurisdiction,” he said.
Addressing the protesters, EFCC Secretary, Emmanuel Akomaye, said the commission was neither selective nor vindictive, but dispassionate in discharging its duties.
He said that corruption posed a serious threat to the nation’s economy and image, adding that EFCC was working hard toward stemming the tide.
According to Mr. Akomaye, the commission does not go after people without having the necessary facts and jurisdiction to do so.
“The fight against corruption is our collective responsibility. Your message today will ginger us to do more work,” he said.
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