A Coalition of Civil Societies has called on all Nigerians and the international community to disregard all claims and allegation against the Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede.
The Coalition of 30 Civil Societies in a Press Conference today 11th May 2024 led by its Convener, Adams Otakwu responded to a group of lawyers who had accused EFCC of flouting court orders and infringing upon the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens.
He said, “In response to the spurious allegations levied against the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede by a group of so-called lawyers during a press conference in Abuja on Friday 10th May, 2024, the Nigerian Civil Society vehemently denounces their unfounded claims and dismisses the group as ‘jobless detractors’, ‘paid hecklers’ and ‘Defenders of Injustice’ unknown to the civil society.
“The assertions put forth by these lawyers, accusing the EFCC of flouting court orders and infringing upon the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens, are not only devoid of merit but are also symptomatic of a deliberate attempt to impede the ongoing efforts of the EFCC to combat corruption and promote accountability within our nation
It is imperative to underscore that actions undertaken by Mr. Olukoyede are not personal endeavors but are emblematic of the steadfast commitment of the EFCC as an institution of the Nigerian People to uphold the rule of law and foster transparency in governance.
“Any insinuation to the contrary is not only fallacious but also an affront to the integrity of the EFCC and the Nigerian People
Furthermore, we categorically reject the insinuation that these self-proclaimed defenders of justice are acting in the interest of the Nigerian populace. On the contrary, it is evident that they are driven by ulterior motives, perhaps influenced by vested interests seeking to undermine the progress achieved by the EFCC and the watchful Civil Society of Nigeria in the last six months.
“It is ludicrous to suggest that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union should entertain the baseless demands of these individuals. Such propositions are not only preposterous but also reflective of a desperate attempt to garner attention through sensationalism and misinformation.
“We call on the international community to disregard these frivolous allegations and instead lend unwavering support to the EFCC and the Nigerian State in the noble pursuit of combating corruption and promoting good governance. The EFCC has made significant strides in the fight against corruption in the last six months, and the Nigerian Civil Society remains confident in the ability of the EFCC to steer our nation towards a future free from the scourge of corruption.”
