Politics

By Usman Muhammad Salihu

Nigeria has long been known for its political culture of godfatherism, which refers to a system in which a powerful politician or group of politicians wield significant control over the political fortunes of others. The practice of godfatherism has been a defining feature of Nigerian politics for decades, and it has been blamed for perpetuating corruption, stifling democratic participation, and hindering economic growth and development.

Godfatherism in Nigeria is typically characterised by a system in which a powerful politician, usually an incumbent governor or party leader, sponsors and funds the candidacy of a less-established politician or aspirant for an elected office. In exchange, the godfather expects loyalty and a significant portion of the proceeds from the office once the candidate is elected.

This system has become deeply entrenched in Nigerian politics, and it has produced a political class that is more interested in personal gain and self-preservation than in serving the needs and interests of the people. The consequences of godfatherism are numerous and far-reaching, and they include:

Corruption: Godfatherism promotes corruption in the political system, as the godfather expects a significant return on their investment in the candidate. This often leads to a cycle of corruption, where the candidate engages in corrupt practices to satisfy the demands of the godfather.

Lack of accountability: The godfather system creates a culture of impunity in which elected officials feel less accountable to the people they represent. This lack of accountability undermines the credibility of the democratic process and perpetuates a culture of political apathy among citizens.

Stifling of democracy: Godfatherism stifles the growth of democracy by limiting the ability of independent-minded candidates to contest for political office. This limits the choices available to voters and undermines the democratic process.

Economic stagnation: The godfather system discourages economic growth and development by favouring candidates more interested in their gain than in implementing policies that will benefit the economy.

Social inequality: The godfather system reinforces social inequality by favouring candidates from privileged backgrounds or with access to financial resources. This leaves many citizens without a voice in the political process and perpetuates a system of elitism.

Given the many negative consequences of godfatherism, it is clear that this practice must be abolished if Nigeria is to realise its full potential as a democratic and prosperous nation. This will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including politicians, civil society organisations, the media, and the general public.

To achieve this goal, Nigeria must strengthen its democratic institutions, including the judiciary and the electoral system, to ensure they are more independent and less susceptible to external influence. Additionally, there must be greater awareness and mobilisation of the public to demand accountability and transparency from elected officials.

In conclusion, the mentality of godfatherism in Nigeria must be abolished if the country is to achieve its full potential. This will require a long-term commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting accountability and transparency, and mobilising the public to demand change. With a concerted effort from all stakeholders, Nigeria can move beyond the politics of godfatherism and towards a more democratic and prosperous future.

Usman Muhammad Salihu wrote from the Mass Communication department, Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi State. He can be contacted via muhammadu5363@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Abdurrahman

Moved by the recent threat to the North by the Oodu’a Peoples Congress (OPC) on the issue of contesting the National Assembly leadership sharing formula announced by the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress, the Oodu’a Peoples Frontiers (OPF) said, time immemorial, the North has always supported Yoruba Presidency.

In a statement issued to the media signed by the convener, OPF, Comrade Moses Oluwasegun Odewale said, the threat by the OPC, is in no way representative of the views of the decent Yoruba nation and should not be seen as such.

The statement said, “If anything, the threats, though empty and unsolicited, are embarrassing, shameful and only expose the inconsistencies of the OPC and other groups like the Afenifere that pose as representatives of the entire Yoruba nation.

“Whether OPC, Afenifere or any other group from any region wants to believe it or not, available facts and figures prove that the North is majorly responsible for the emergence of the Asiwaju as APC flag bearer and to his eventual victory at the polls.

“We cannot forget so quickly that eleven APC governors of Northern Nigerian states stood firmly against all odds and ensured that power moved to the South and to the Southwest in particular which paved the way for Tinubu’s emergence.

“And there is no disputing the fact that Tinubu’s final victory at the polls was secured by the northern votes which made up 60 percent of the total votes he got, far and above what he got in the Southwest.”

Odewale, reminded that, facts of history have shown how the North had been consistent with its support for a Yoruba presidency even at the expense of candidates from the North.

“During the 1993 elections, Bashorun Abiola contested on the platform of the Social Democratic Party, partly due to the influence of a northern force presented by the late General Shehu Yar’Adua.

“And at the polls, the Northern votes comprehensively went to Abiola to ensure his success over their own son, Alhaji Bashir Tofa, a prominent, respected personality.

“Record shows that of the 6.6 million votes that had been announced before the annulment, Tofa had received 2.3 million and Abiola  4.3 million of which more than half came from the North.

“Abiola won all the states of the south-west; three of the seven states in the south-east; five of the nine northern states including Kano, Tofa’s state; and four out of the seven states in the central middle belt.”

He further revealed that the gesture was replicated when Olusegun Obasanjo was released from prison by the northern establishment, made a candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party by the northern elite and voted for the presidency by the northern voters in 1999.

“On all these three occasions such self-professed Yoruba protection groups as the Afenifere and OPC were nowhere visible, in fact they only surfaced after the June 12 annulment to bask in the glory of what they did participate in.

“Also in 1999,  Afenifere and the OPC led the Yoruba nation to favour Olu Falae while the North worked for Obasanjo’s victory against their son.

“And this time around, Afenifere openly declared opposition to Tinubu, OPC was missing in the field while the North did all the work.”

From its viewpoint, the OPF believes that by making it look like the OPC are protecting their son, the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it has ended up exposing him in particular and the South-west several political vulnerabilities in the future.

“It is therefore the peak of insanity, shamelessness and ingratitude for the OPC or any Southwest group to reward the North with threats in the false presence of defending their son whom they rejected earlier.”

OPF, therefore, emphatically dissociates the decent Yoruba nation from these threats to the North in particular and to any other section of the country while condemning with all might the uncivilized action of OPC that threatens the long standing political friendship that exists between the North and the Southwest.

OPF further called on the President-elect not to fall for the dirty game of the OPC and Afenifere which only aims to pitch him against his most reliable traditional political allies.

“Asiwaju should as much as possible distance himself from agents of destabilisation operating in various guises and instead concentrate on governance and the task of nation-building with justice and equity to all.”
 

By Mukhtar Jarmajo 

As President Buhari prepares to leave office the following Monday, reflecting on his tenure and his impact on Nigeria is important. When he assumed office in 2015, he came with the promise of improving security, revamping the economy and tackling corruption. While much is still desired, it is clear that he has made significant strides in achieving these goals.

On security, President Buhari’s administration has made considerable progress in the fight against insurgency, particularly in the country’s northeast region. The Boko Haram terrorist group has been significantly weakened, and the government has also made gains in the fight against banditry and kidnapping in other parts of the country. Although much work still needs to be done, it is clear that the foundations for a more secure Nigeria have been laid.

In terms of the economy, President Buhari inherited a challenging economic situation, with falling oil prices and a depreciating currency. His administration implemented a series of economic policies, including a diversification drive, the implementation of the Treasury Single Account, and the launch of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan. These policies have helped to stabilise the economy and put it on the path to growth. While there is still much work to be done, the next administration will have a more solid foundation to build upon.

President Buhari’s administration also significantly tackled corruption, a major challenge for Nigeria for many years. The government implemented various anti-corruption measures, including establishing the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, launching the Whistleblower Policy, and prosecuting high-profile corruption cases. While corruption remains a major issue, it is clear that the government’s efforts have had a positive impact and set the stage for further progress.

Many challenges have characterised President Buhari’s tenure, but also significant achievements. As he prepares to leave office, it is clear that he has laid the groundwork for a more secure, prosperous, and corruption-free Nigeria. The incoming president will undoubtedly find things easier, given that many of the difficult decisions needed to make Nigeria great have already been taken. President Buhari will go down in history as one of the most tolerated presidents in the annals of Nigeria, and his contributions to the country will be remembered for years.

Jarmajo wrote from Wuse Zone 2, Abuja. 

By Aisar Fagge
 
A conglomeration of about 107 Anti-Corruption crusade groups led by Crime and Corruption Monitors, has impressed on the incoming administration of President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is cleaned of entrenched corrupt leadership symbolized by its current Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa.

This follows a protest by the Anti-Corruption crusade Conglomerate, which was terminated at the Youths Sports Complex, Lagos.

The groups pointed out that EFCC is an important government agency in Nigeria, established primarily to rid the society of corruption and not conceived as an agency for settling scores for political godfathers.

The convener of the conglomerate, Idowu Bello who read the statement in Lagos warned that “If a government agency expected to fight crime is found going about its business in a manner that mimics witch-hunt and selective justice while also being unable to deal with the corruption going on within its own workforce, the nation is headed for real time crises, conflict of confidence.”

He noted that despite government’s claim of making the fight against corruption and related practices a top priority, EFCC, the agency charged with the execution of the war, is in questions over mounting allegations of monumental corrupt practices.

“Allegations that about 80 per cent of cases under EFCC investigation are not taken to court. EFCC offices now literally serve as courtrooms.

“Last week, Zamfara state governor, Bello Matawalle, alleged that Bawa demanded the sum of $2million from him as bribe to stop a purported probe against him.   

“Even before Abdulrasheed Bawa was presented as substantive EFCC Chairman, he has been arrested and detained by the anti-graft agency in 2019 for selling at least 244 trucks worth between N20-30 million each to his proxies at N100,000 per unit.

“He is also accused of recently expanding a large amount of money to the tune of $300,000 for hotels and other activities, which is far and beyond his income as civil servant, during a visit to Mecca with his family on a lesser Hajj.

“There are also allegations of connivance with the Attorney General of the Federation,  Abubakar Malami in auctioning of sea vessels holding crude oil seized by the Federal Government, violating Section 31(2) and (4) of the EFCC Act 2004.”

According to him, Malami and Bawa also allegedly authorized the sale of vessels by companies under EFCC prosecution for similar offence of illegal bunkering.

“Bawa and Malami were fingered in the discontinuation of a N25billion criminal charge against Senator Danjuma Goje without any justification after over seven years of diligent investigation and prosecution.

“Equally, the incident of Abel Isah, an EFCC cadet in Sokoto who was allegedly beaten to death by superior officers for refusing to sign off on incomplete exhibits is still fresh in the minds of Nigerians,” the statement read.

The Crusaders however, demanded the immediate sack of Bawa as EFCC Chairman and to be subjected to wholistic probe the way his predecessor Ibrahim Magu was treated.

“Like every other agency of government everywhere, there are global standards of practice  for officials who had been accused of gross misconduct to step aside while investigations were conducted to ascertain the veracity of the allegations.

“As pointed out earlier several eminent eminent Nigerians have claimed to possess evidence of corrupt practices, breach of public trust and abuse of office against the EFCC and its Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa.

“It is based on the above observations that the Crime and Corruption Monitors and 107 Anti Corruption Crusade Groups deem it necessary to demand that Abdulrasheed Bawa excuses himself from office and surrender for investigation.

“We demand that if Bawa remains adamant,  he be forced out and subjected to comprehensive probe  the way his predecessor Ibrahim Magu was made to do.

“Since it is obvious by now that the Buhari administration which brought Abdulrasheed Bawa is not disposed to initiating action, we call on the incoming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make it first priority to cleanse the EFCC of corrupt leaders.

“Corruption is one of the most serious social and security challenges facing Nigeria today which is the more reason why Tinubu should see it as an existential matter that needs to be addressed and tackled robustly and defeated once for all.

“No nation can aspire to greatness or seek to remain secure and safe when corruption and other corrupt practices are allowed to find their way into all its vital institutions including the agency saddled with the responsibility of fighting it.

They added that, for this reason, corruption must be confronted  with the entire will and resolve of the incoming administration beginning with thorough cleansing of the EFCC by first getting Bawa out and subjecting him to probe before extending action to cover other organs and tiers of government in Nigeria without exception.

“Failure to do so will indubitably mean that every effort made the anti-graft agency is headed by suspicious leaders will defeat all development endeavours of the incoming administration and render its task the more difficult and futile.

“We remind the President-elect that National challenges such as the corruption we are faced with should not be treated with levity and condescension. Neither should action be limited to targeted individuals or tiers of government. On the contrary, corruption is a cross-national issue that affect every one of us regardless of where we live or come from,” the statement read.

By Aisar Fagge

On Monday, 22nd May, 2023 President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated the Dangote oil refinery in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, Nigeria. Many African leaders, envoys and dignitaries from various parts of the world attended the event.

As the Vanguard newspaper reported, the essence of building the refinery is to “help Nigeria achieve self-sufficiency in refined products and even have surplus for export.” This is a huge win for Dangote as a businessman, Lagos State for its revenue and perhaps Africa for its image at international stage.

However, many Nigerians are asking, didn’t Nigerian leaders feel any shame to attend an event of an entrepreneur who built a refinery but a whole government of the leading economy in Africa cannot? 

Historically, Nigeria has four refineries: Old Port Harcourt refinery commissioned in 1965, Warri refinery established in1978, Kaduna Refinery commissioned in 1980 and New Port Harcourt refinery commissioned in 1989. However, for the past 20 years, these refineries had a poor record of operation before they ran out of steam.

Nowadays, none of the refineries works because we institutionalise corruption. Every new govt will come with the promise that Kaduna or Port-Harcourt, or Warri refinery will soon commence production, but no drop of oil will be refined. And yet, government continue paying these ghost workers who produce nothing.

The question Nigerians keep asking is, if one man can build a refinery from scratch, why does a government with all its resources fail to rehabilitate its four refineries, sack all those ghost workers, appoint new MDs, stabilise them, refine our crude oil, use the trillions of the so-called subsidy to develop education, health, agric, security, infrastructure, etc.?

Some people would argue that in today’s world, the government has no business in businesses; it should only provide an enabling environment for such private investors to thrive through competition. So, they say the government should only focus on governance, policies and regulation of private investment.

Those people will cite the US and other developed countries without public refineries. But what of the Saudi ARAMCO and other Gulf countries like UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, etc? They all own and control their refineries. Look at their development index and look at where we are languishing. Even this Dangote’s refinery is greeted with mixed reactions. Some people argue that his refinery will make little or no difference at all since it is not ours. But only time will tell about that.

Though I’m not an economist, I think transforming Nigeria into an entirely capital state will not produce the desired result, considering our current development and peculiarities. A country with weak institutions should first believe in strengthening those institutions before thinking of borrowing a Western economic model.

So, I believe the Nigerian government must provide and guarantee its citizens’ basic needs – education, security, electricity, and health before anything else. Citizens of an oil-rich country, such as Nigeria, don’t deserve this suffering we’re in. We deserve more.

We pray for the success of Alhaji Aliko Dangote. He achieved this feat against many odds. However, for Nigeria to attract more investors, more must be done at all levels.

Aisar Fagge wrote from Kano. He can be contacted via aisarsalihu86@gmail.com.

By UUzair Adam Imam

A Northern Nigerian group, Democratic Watch Initiative, has written a letter to the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu demanding his immediate intervention in the process of selecting leadership of the 10th National Assembly, saying that he should allow democracy to take charge in the process.

The group in a letter addressed to the president-elect and signed by its National Coordinator, Dr. Sunusi Umar, said they write the letter to forestall the drift toward greater regional distrust in Nigeria, breach of constitutional democracy, due process of leadership succession through elections and rancor in the 10th Assembly.

They alerted the president-elect to the consequences of falling for the trap of a brewing cabal out to reverse the populist tendencies of his government by whatever means and tactics, saying that his administration should disregard the cabal as they are there to destroy his chances of working perfectly for the country.

The full text of the letter reads below:

His Excellency,
President-elect,
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Sir,

FALL-OUT OF AREWA HOUSE, KADUNA COLLOQUIUM
We humbly write you with a heart full of praises to the Almighty God for seeing us through a hectic journey to the dawn of a new era promised by your emergence as Nigeria’s next President.

Compelled by the emerging trends in the polity arising from the intervention of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress regarding the leadership of the 10th National Assembly, we convened a one-day colloquium of critical stakeholders at the Arewa House, Kaduna.

After deeply analyzing the situation and assessing cost of the potential complications and unforeseen consequences of the intended intervention of the NWC, the colloquium decided to take the bold but necessary step to address this letter to you in decent patriotism and love of our country, fellow citizens and sustainable democracy.

The letter, Your Excellency, aims to forestall the drift toward greater regional distrust in Nigeria, breach of constitutional democracy, due process of leadership succession through elections and rancor in the 10th Assembly.

This representation is also to alert you to the consequences of falling for the trap of a brewing cabal out to reverse the populist tendencies of your government by whatever means and tactics.

Firstly, we wish to invite your attention, as a renowned committed democrat, to the necessity for inclusive participation, respect for statutory autonomy of such organs of government as the legislature as the only basis for sustainable constitutional democracy.

Constitutional democracy as the antithesis of arbitrary rule, allows all citizens, rather than favored individuals or groups, have the right and opportunity to participate.

This informs our conviction that only a leadership of the National Assembly independently and willingly produced by the members themselves, for themselves, can douse the rising regional tensions and foster strong understanding and cooperation among the elected members.

We are of the view therefore, that the current attempt to impose leaders on people of undoubtful maturity, and proven experience, elected to represent their various constituencies in the incoming 10th National Assembly, amounts to an encroachment on the sanctity of the legislature, subversion of popular will and a negation of the democratic principle of separation of powers between executive, the legislature and the Judiciary.

We find it curious that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, itself a product of democratic election and which subjected its presidential ticket contest to elections, should now be the same party attempting to manipulate the system to one of selection and imposition.

Having come this far Sir, we feel duty-bound to call your attention  to be vigilant as to the political opportunists that are bound to swarm around you with the intent of forming another cabal who are behind this scheme aiming to pitch you against your traditional political friends and sections of the country.

Everyone must be aware by now that those pursuing this undemocratic, unconstitutional and unrealistic agenda are not your friends; they are people who did not vote for you nor in anyway supported your emergence as APC candidate nor your eventual victory at the February polls.

What they are doing about the National Assembly leadership is to test the ground for a wider political agenda that aims to diminish your personal populist tendencies and those anticipated in your government.

Your Excellency may recall the incredible promises he made to the North during electioneering at the Arewa House talk show organized by the Northern leaders and elders. No one expects however that you will give to the North what it does not deserve, what we are demanding is a free environment for the exercise of franchise as the only solution to the pervasive communal distrust that is more accentuated in the North.

We believe a free election of leaders of the National Assembly by its own members would put to end the already brewing concerns of marginalization and fear of domination of other geopolitical zones in the North by others.

We submit therefore that if North despite the immense contribution it made towards the victory of the APC at the Presidential election at the expense of fellow candidates from the region does not deserve to be rewarded with the position it rightly demands in the National Assembly, there should be no justification to deny the the right to stand election to the same post.

We finally call Your Excellency to reclaim the people’s confidence in your untainted democratic credentials and  commitment to entrenching sustainable democracy, restoring the glory of governance, reclaiming the sanctity of constitutionalism and respect for rule of law by  maintaining the balanced and matured neutrality you are famous for.

We are confident that Your Excellency is endowed with ample experience and diplomatic wherewithal to cope with whatever  National Assembly leadership may emerge through due democratic process.

Finally Sir, while we repose an enduring faith in your ability and will to change the situation in the country for the better, we pray the Almighty God to increase you in wisdom to be able to accomplish your good intentions for the country.

We pray God to bestow you improved health, protect and guide you as you embark on the task of transforming a country and repositioning the people’s life around security, the economy and social safety.

Yours Faithfully,
 
Sunusi Umar PhD
National Coordinator 

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

As the presidency of Nigeria outgoing President, Muhammadu Buhari is gradually coming to an end, the president is seemingly busy with constitutional functions he would be performing for the last time.

The President, who was elected for the first time in 2015 was re-elected for a second term in 2019. Due to the two terms limit set by the Nigerian constitution, the president will hand over to his successor on May 29, 2023.

On Wednesday, he presided over the Valedictory Federal Executive Council Meeting. It is the last one he would be presiding over as president of the world’s most populous black nation.

His media aide, Buhari Sallau, made this known on his Facebook page as he shared photos from the meeting.

During the FEC meeting, Buhari also swore in the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission Board and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo presented the Health Care Reform Committee Report to Buhari and the FEC at the Statehouse, Abuja.

By Mukhtar Jarmajo

In a democratic system, individuals have the right to associate with any political party of their choice. This right is enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, and it guarantees the freedom of political association to every citizen of the country.

Recently, there have been efforts to call back Halliru Dauda Jika, a former member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi state, who left the party to pitch his tent with the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) ahead of the 2023 general elections. Reliable sources close to Jika said he decamped from the APC because he felt he deserved the party’s governorship ticket, having funded the party since 2019.

However, it should be noted that the call-back efforts are unnecessary and uncalled for since the person in question has the constitutional right to be in any political party he so desires. Jika has the right to leave the APC and join another party, just as he now has the right to rejoin the party as an ordinary member.

It is crucial to understand that political parties are voluntary associations individuals join based on their beliefs, ideologies, and interests. Therefore, deciding to join or leave a political party is a personal choice everyone should respect.

The call-back movement seems driven by people who were likely his supporters while in the APC. However, if these people genuinely believe in the ideology of the APC, then they should work towards strengthening the party by promoting its values and ideals.

All should respect the constitutional right to political association, and call-back movements should cease, especially when they are unnecessary and uncalled for. Instead, political parties should focus on strengthening their values and ideals, and individuals should be free to join or leave any party without fear of persecution or intimidation.

Jarmajo wrote from Wuse Zone 2, Abuja. 

By Aliyu Nuhu

First; Nigeria does not generate enough electricity to support industries and sustain growth. When leaders talk of addressing poverty and unemployment they forget the single factor holding Nigerian economy down. With 3000-5000mw of electricity, the story of Nigeria will always be associated with darkness.

Second; Nigeria is still unable to employ its youths, about 90% of them finish schools and are sitting at home or roaming streets and committing crimes. The number is alarming.

Three; Industries are either closing down due to insecurity, absence of forex to import critical spare parts or electricity.

Four; Thousands of Nigerians are losing their jobs. MTN and some banks are still retrenching. Only government is employing and doing it selectively for sons and daughters of the elites, politicians and government officials. Government can’t employ everyone. As long as the private sector is not employing, unemployment will always be high in Nigeria.

Five; Start up businesses die due to failure of banks to give them loans. No Nigerian bank gives any form of loan at all.

Six; Big and small industries are being killed by multiple taxation. There are more than 20 different taxes that companies pay in Nigeria.

Seven; Some states are taxing companies for broad band satellite receivers, something that is vital to their operations, especially banks. Other states are imposing tax on boreholes even as the governments fail to provide pipe borne water to factories.

Eight; Agricultural goods in transit, including livestocks are subjected to all manner of extortion by police, LG officials, VIO, FRSC and security forces. Once a truck or car is loaded with goods, it is fair game to security agencies. Nigeria is becoming an impossible nation to move goods, capital and equipment. No nation develops without free movement of labour and capital. In the northern part of the country, insecurity has ensured that most farmers don’t go to farms due to activities of bandits and Boko Haram.

Nine; Despite efforts to build roads, rail, bridges, power plants and other social and economic infrastructure, it is becoming clear that the government will finish its two terms leaving Nigeria with the same tragedy of uncompleted and abandoned projects.

Ten; Nigerian businessmen are being rewarded for investing abroad. In other words the government rewards them for exporting Nigerian jobs to other African countries. Dangote has been building factories outside Nigeria in the name of diversifying his risks. Government should take a cue from what Donald Trump did in America. He rewarded those that built factories in US and punished those that built factories outside the United States. He slashed taxes on American companies to encourage them employ Americans.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State is currently under investigation over alleged N70 billion fraud, says the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Abdurrashid Bawa, the EFCC Chairman, disclosed about the development on Thursaday during a press briefing.

Our reporters gathered Matawalle and Bawa have recently engaged in a battle of words and Matawalle had leveled allegations against Bawa and dared the commission to go after members of President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet.

However, the anti-graft agency chairman urged Nigerians not to be swayed by the Matawalle’s recent outburst.

In his response through the Director of Public Affairs of the commission, Osita Nwajah, Bawa added that “It is intriguing that Matawalle would want to take on the role of a supervisor, who tells the EFCC whom to investigate.

“Is this a case of a “’thief’’ saying he must not be touched until other ‘’thieves’’ are caught?

“Unfortunately, it is not within Matawalle’s remit to dictate to the EFCC whom to arrest, when and where. Suspects in the custody of the Commission cut across all sectors and social class.

“The qualification to get a space in the Commission’s detention facility, is to commit a crime. It does not matter whether you are a priest , Imam, Governor or minister.

“Currently, a former minister of power is in the custody of the EFCC over a N22billion corruption allegation. That conveniently did not attract Matawalle’s attention,” Nwajah said.