There is a dangerous political game being played by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Ever since its creation by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration in 2003, discerning Nigerians have known that this anti-graft agency is a ready tool for powers-that-be to oppress perceived opponents.
While it can be argued that this oppressive power was used with a little bit of finesse, the agency has changed its tactics since the advent of the Muhammadu Buhari administration on May 29, 2015.
One year after, its mode of operation is not only crude but shameless. The agency does not even care what Nigerians say about it anymore. The law of the land is not only being violated but EFCC has constituted itself into law.
After arresting people, its operatives will now be looking for evidence to support its action. This is not only dangerous but may sound the death knell for this democracy.
The dangerous dimension activities of EFCC is assuming can be likened to nine of the most dangerous secret societies in the world.
They are not only incredibly deadly, but capable of collapsing the values of the society.
They include The Order of Skull and Bones, The German Thule Society, The Bilderberg Group, Freemasonry, The Order of Nine Angels, Assassins, Ku Klux Klan, Illuminati and Ashoka’s Nine Unknown Men.
Many members of these societies are sadistic killers. Law and order are alien to their operations because there is this air of mystery that surrounds their activities.
They also engage in propoganda and psychological warfare which, pitiably, is what EFCC is doing now.
Is EFCC, through its activities, turning Nigeria into a secret society? Are we no longer operating democracy in this country?
With all the excesses from the anti-graft agency, the silence from the Presidency is a source of worry to Nigerians. Does President Muhammadu Buhari approve the illegality going on in EFCC in which there is no respect for rule of law and court order?
Recently, Justice Peter Affen of an Abuja High Court ordered EFCC to immediately release the international passport, cheque books and cell phones of an Australian security consultant, Wolfgang Reini.
Despite being served the order, EFCC refused to release him. Sadly, it did not also file a stay of execution or go to a higher court for appeal. Only God knows how the Australian government will view the type of democracy we practise in this country.
The sad aspect is that Reini was detained for weeks without being taken to court.
Human rights lawyer, Mazi Osigwe, had to initiate a contempt proceeding against the EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, on behalf of Reini, for alleged disobedience to court order.
What of the deliberate plot by EFCC to embarrass former deputy governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, at all cost?
The same day Omisore’s lawyer appeared in court with EFCC operatives was the day the agency declared him wanted. What injustice can be greater than this?
Let me quote Omisore’s statement: “It is now very clear that the EFCC is indeed playing out the script of persecuting and harassing perceived opposition groups in the country.
“To be sure, there is no basis for the EFCC so-called statement. Only on Tuesday, May 24, we appeared in court with the EFCC asking for the permission of the court for an extension of time in the preliminary objection to a suit filed against me.
“The Managing Director of Firmex Gill which the EFCC joined in their case indemnified me from the company’s contracts and any such obligations. In other words, there is nothing relating to me in the company’s contract deal with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The company has even sued the ONSA for its inability to pay the balance of the contract so awarded to it.
“Therefore, I am not aware of any issue relating to a contract sum of N700 million. There was no issue of N700 million anywhere. The relationship between the company and ONSA is civil and contractual, which has nothing to do with me. Besides, so long as their business transactions are legitimate and since I am not directly managing the company, how am I to know who and who they do business with?
“The EFCC should not be seen playing the role of political victimization of innocent individuals, coercion and blackmail. Sadly, that is simply what this organisation has been doing. Blackmail, I strongly believe, won’t help EFCC. If the organisation and its leadership think they have any case against me, they should come to court with their facts. This act of blackmail and deliberately tarnishing the image of perceived political enemies won’t help the image of the EFCC and it won’t get it result.
“How can you declare someone you were in court with at 9a.m today wanted the same day, a few hours afterwards? I am appealing to all human rights and civil society organisations to caution EFCC from damaging my reputation further. If they have facts, I challenge them to bring them to court and not resort to blackmail, intimidation and victimization”.
Need I say more on this travesty of justice?
How can EFCC constitute itself into an accuser, prosecutor and judge?
Sadly, all our so-called activists, radical lawyers and patriots have suddenly turned deaf and dumb, turning the other eyes to this illogicality.
This despotism from EFCC is not being challenged by those who believe they have something to benefit from the current administration.
What they have forgotten is that if you ride on the back of a tiger, you will eventually end in its stomach.
