- He also disclosed that the EFCC has not been able to give a convincing and proper account of where and how the funds and resources recovered under the previous administration are utilized
The governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, says the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has become an instrument used by the federal government to persecute, victimise and intimidate people who oppose the ruling party.
He said the anti-graft agency has deviated sharply from its core mandate and primary duty of tackling and curbing crimes in the public and private sector and has now morphed into a tool of oppression.
Bala bared his mind on the displeasing activities of the agency during an interview with DAILY POST.
According to him, Bauchi did not join the sixteen states that are challenging the legality of the EFCC because plans are underway to create Bauchi State anti-corruption agency.
He also disclosed that the EFCC has not been able to give a convincing and proper account of where and how the funds and resources recovered under the previous administration are utilized.
He said: “We’re already in court establishing our own anti-corruption agency. I support the states that have taken the case to the Supreme Court, as excessive discretion by the federal government shouldn’t be allowed. The EFCC has become a tool for the federal government to target opponents while protecting allies. I pity the EFCC operatives-they’re under pressure.
“It’s in everyone’s best interest for the EFCC to focus on federal issues and allow states to handle their own anti-corruption efforts. The resources recovered by the EFCC under previous administrations-where are they? Some high-ranking federal officials bought those recovered assets. None of the money came to the states or the federation account.
“We should be allowed to recover our resources and use them in our states. It’s unfair for the federal government to pursue us after sharing money they haven’t accounted for themselves.”