Who is Bola Tinubu and what is his offense?
Bola Tinubu, 67, is a Nigerian politician, former senator, and former Lagos state governor. In some political narrations, he is perceived as the leader of the Yoruba people – one of the largest ethnic groups in the country. He is also believed to possess more political clout in the Southwest region of the country, one of the determining regions in any Presidential election.
His offense: On the eve of the February 2019 presidential election, two bullion vans allegedly stashed with cash drove into his residence at Burdillion, Ikoyi, Lagos. Many believed the alleged cash stashed in the vans might have been used to bribe voters and engaged in vote buying for the ruling party. Tinubu and the ruling APC, have dismissed insinuations. He had described himself as a private citizen who can use his money for 'anything' apart from voting-buying.
He also challenged Nigerians to come out with proof of any illegalities and atrocities he has committed since the beginning of President Muhammadu Buhari-led government almost five years ago.
Why are Nigerians putting EFCC on the political line
Due to various activities and arrests made by the anti-graft agency so far in 2019, Nigerians want the agency to look at various abuses of office by politicians, mostly, from the ruling party – APC. The opposition parties also believed that the anti-graft agency is embarking on a lopsided anti-corruption fight.
Last year, the acting Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, challenged Nigerians to submit a petition with substantial information about the political leader.
Activists submit petition
Members of the Concerned Nigerians – a Human Rights group, has submitted a petition to EFCC to investigate the ruling party leader who is reportedly eyeing the presidential seat in 2023. Transparency International and other groups have also advised the anti-corruption body to swiftly on the petition.
What is next after the noise?
