Governor condemns EFCC over arrest of Ekiti officials

chika ebuzor

September 29, 2017 7:48 PM

On Thursday, September 28, 2017, the EFCC confirmed the arrest of two key officials of the Ekiti State Government for alleged misuse of bailout funds.

Governor Ayo Fayose has condemned the arrest of two of his cabinet members by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Governor also said that the anti-graft agency’s action flouts the orders of Justice Taiwo. O. Taiwo of the Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti.

Reports say Justice Taiwo, in November 2016, issued an injunction restraining the EFCC and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) from arresting past or serving officials of Ekiti state government.

According to Vanguard, the Governor also said He said ” The new judge declined jurisdiction because he held that the EFCC’s case lacked merit and the case file was returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, who is yet to assign the case.

“The latest action by the EFCC is therefore premeditated, malicious, politically motivated, contemptuous and unconstitutional in all ramifications. It is another clear and undisguised evidence of gangsterism by an agency that derives its power from the constitution but uses it for political vendetta against the opposition.

” While we call on all men and women of conscience to call the EFCC and whoever is goading them along perilous path to order, we must warn that no harm must come the way of the illegally detained Ekiti State Government officials, who have health issues which they will be hampered to manage effectively in EFCC’s crushing detention environment.

“Not obeying court orders is not the hallmark of democracy, but a virtue of anti-democratic agents. Colonel Dasuki Sambo, former National Security Adviser is still being held despite numerous court orders to the contrary. Ibrahim el-Zakyzaky has been locked up unduly for months, this is not the democracy we fought to enthrone in Nigeria.”

On Thursday, September 28, 2017, the EFCC confirmed the arrest of two key officials of the Ekiti State Government for alleged misuse of bailout funds.

ALSO READ:Why Governor Fayose cannot run for presidency

Speaking further, Governor Fayose said the move is aimed at intimidating him, adding that his declaration has startled the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He also said that his presidential ambition is a divine project from God and no man can stop him.

Fayose said “My ambition to contest the presidential election in 2019 is God’s project and no human effort can thwart it. Democracy allows for people to aspire to occupy public offices and I have not breached any law doing that. Those who think they can get to me by harassing my aides and supporters would soon hit a dead end.”

Meanwhile, the Ekiti state government in its reaction to the arrest of the officials, said that Governor Ayo Fayose cannot be intimidated.

chika ebuzor