Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, has called on the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to handle more high impact cases and leave minor ones as money spraying for the lesser agencies.
In a tweet posted on his official X page, Obi voiced support for the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, in a call for action against systemic corruption. He commended Olukoyede’s recent alarm on the alarming rate of treasury and asset looting by public officials in Nigeria, emphasizing the urgent need to tackle grand corruption head-on.
“I have consistently advocated for prioritizing the tackling of grand corruption, which has ravaged our economy and impoverished our citizens,” Obi declared.
He also urged anti-graft agencies to intensify efforts in investigating major offenses such as oil theft, budget padding, contract inflation, embezzlement, and misappropriation of public funds. The former Governor of Anambra State stressed the importance of holding accountable those involved in cronyism and nepotism, urging that lesser agencies handle minor cases of petty theft and money spraying offences.
He stated, “I urge anti-graft agencies to focus on investigating grand theft and corruption in government and public asset management, such as oil theft, budget padding, contract inflation, embezzlement, and misappropriation of public funds. It’s also crucial to hold those who engage in cronyism and nepotism. Lesser agencies can handle minor cases of petty theft and money spraying at parties.
“The EFCC chairman’s resolve to confront this scourge head-on is laudable, and I urge him to remain steadfast in his pursuit of verifiable cases. Together, we must ensure that those responsible for this large-scale pillage are held accountable and that our nation’s wealth is protected for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“By prioritizing high-impact cases, we can restore public trust, strengthen institutions, and ensure leadership that saves enough funds for healthcare, education, and infrastructure, pulling people out of poverty. It is time for accountability and transparency to prevail.”
