By Sani Idris
A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Against Corruption in Nigeria (CCSOCN), has condemned in strong terms, a plot by some persons to stage a national protest against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The coalition therefore, called on the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu to ensure that no illegal or sponsored protest takes place anywhere in the country.
It is recalled that the EFCC had raised concerns over a planned protest by sponsored individuals, loyal to some high profile personalities being investigated for various financial crimes.
In a statement issued to newsmen on Thursday in Kaduna by Convener of the coalition, Bashir Babatunde Abdulganiu, the group vowed to resist plans by miscreants to derail the fight against corruption and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
According him, they observed the unfortunate situation where some persons under investigation by the anti-graft agency have resorted to blackmail and incitement on social media and elsewhere in an attempt to stoke up negative sentiments against the EFCC in a bid to sway the opinions of Nigerians against the anti-corruption crusade of the current administration.
“This is totally unacceptable and we condemn in strong terms, all those who are directly or remotely connected with this criminal act as nothing on earth will stop Mr. President and the EFCC from logically prosecuting the fight against corruption, cyber crimes and other financial crimes. This is a just fight and there is no hiding place for culprits under this administration”, he said.
He therefore called on security agencies under the coordination of the National Security Adviser (NSA) to act patriotically and ensure no illegal and sponsored protest takes place anywhere in Nigeria, adding that the EFCC does not deserve any distraction.
“As a patriot, we have full confidence in the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and we urge him to deploy all the resources at his disposal to ensure this staged protest does not happen. We equally salute the courage and dedication of the Armed forces and other security agencies who will certainly act to decimate the hooligans planning to plunge our nation into anarchy”, he added.
While passing a vote of confidence on the EFCC and its Chairman Mr. Ola Olukayode for tirelessly fighting to secure the future and reputation of Nigeria, the group maintained that Nigeria’s future would be imperiled if the country further degenerates in its global perception as a den of fraudsters.
“We hereby pass a massive vote of confidence on the EFCC boss for his dogged and untiring commitment to sanitizing our country. In a country like ours, it is normal for corruption to fight back but we are confident that the EFCC will triumph against all falsehood and diversionary tactics employed enemies of the state.
“The number of high profile cases currently under investigation such as that of Dr. Betta Edu, Hadi Sirika and many other APC chieftains including the fugitive Kogi State ex Governor Yahaya Bello will surely be completed regardless of the little setbacks. The EFCC will not be deterred even if its operational capacity threatens some persons”, he stressed.
The Convener acknowledged the right of citizens to protest in a democracy but urged Nigerians especially youths to discern carefully to avoid falling prey to criminal elements.
He also appealed to parents, guardians and heads of tertiary institutions to take responsibility in ensuring that their wards are not recruited to be used as cannon fodder in a proxy war against the Commission by vested corrupt interests.
