NNPP Slams Kwankwaso’s Court-Order As Too Weak To Block EFCC-Investigation (Full Details)

NNPP Slams Kwankwaso’s Court-Order As Too Weak To Block EFCC-Investigation (Full Details)

In a bold declaration, the National Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Oginni Olaposi Sunday, has criticized the court order obtained by the party’s 2023 Presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, deeming it insufficient to shield him from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) scrutiny.

Addressing the press in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Oginni condemned the rampant corruption that has plagued successive Nigerian governments, rendering the nation’s democracy ineffective. He voiced concerns over the persistent efforts by former governors to evade EFCC investigations.

“The continuous resistance of former governors to EFCC’s investigations is becoming worrisome,” Oginni stated. He highlighted the NNPP’s formal request for the EFCC to investigate Kwankwaso and other party officials over allegations of embezzling funds from the sales of nomination forms and campaign donations during the 2023 general elections.

In a bid to avoid EFCC’s impending investigation, Kwankwaso reportedly secured an order from the Kano State High Court to prevent the anti-graft agency from summoning him and other implicated officials. Oginni compared this tactic to that of Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, who similarly sought to use a court order to obstruct EFCC prosecution.

“Nigerians cannot forget in a hurry that Yahaya Bello also used Kogi State High Court to ‘procure’ a frivolous order similar to what Senator Kwankwaso also ‘procured’ from Kano State High Court to frustrate EFCC’s investigation and arrest,” Oginni remarked.

Oginni reaffirmed the NNPP’s commitment to legal and ethical standards, stating that the party had approached the appropriate government agency responsible for addressing corruption in Nigeria. He expressed confidence in the EFCC’s capability to perform its duties without interference.

“We cannot teach the EFCC how to discharge its job. I am very sure that the anti-graft agency is up to the task,” he concluded.

This development underscores the ongoing tension between political figures and anti-corruption bodies in Nigeria, highlighting the challenges faced in holding powerful individuals accountable.