Fagbemi: EFCC, ICPC not targeting anti-Tinubu politicians
The Federal Government on Thursday dismissed allegations by opposition politicians that the anti-corruption war under President Bola Tinubu was being used as a weapon against political rivals, insisting that anti-graft agencies remained independent in carrying out their duties.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, speaking at a management retreat of the Ministry of Justice in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, said neither the Presidency nor his office interfered in corruption investigations.
“We don’t interfere in the investigation of corruption cases by anti-graft agencies. They are best suited to handle these matters, and when they conclude, we take it up to see whether there are gaps or further issues to examine,” he said.
He stressed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) were constitutionally guaranteed independence, and that the government would continue to strengthen them to ensure corruption was fought “to a standstill” in order to fast-track development.
His clarification followed renewed claims from opposition leaders who alleged that the recent detention of former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, and the invitation of former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, were politically motivated.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused the Tinubu administration of “weaponising” the EFCC to intimidate political opponents.
In a statement, he alleged that Tambuwal was detained only because of his role in an opposition coalition and claimed that corruption probes suddenly vanished once opposition figures defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Atiku argued that “the EFCC has become a political tool to coerce opposition leaders into the ruling party” and warned that civil society and Nigeria’s partners abroad must condemn such trends.
Similarly, Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, said the EFCC’s actions against Tambuwal reflected “an existing contradiction” in the fight against corruption. Obi insisted that the anti-graft battle must be applied evenly to gain credibility and urged investigators to follow “rules of evidence and conscience” rather than political convenience.
But, government officials insist such rhetoric is aimed at discrediting the anti-corruption war and shielding allies from accountability. Fagbemi maintained that the administration does not determine who gets investigated, adding that opposition leaders must face the law when allegations arise.
“Corruption cases are not about politics; they are about facts. Agencies investigate, and we prosecute where necessary. No one is above the law, no matter their political alignment,” the minister said. [KTH]
