A coalition of civil society organisations in Rivers State has called on the leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission to concentrate on their primary responsibilities of investigating and prosecuting financial crimes, particularly those involving political figures.

The group accused the anti-graft agencies of engaging in public ceremonies with individuals, some of whom should be under investigation.

Speaking in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, the Chairman of the organisation, Enefaa Georgewill, stressed that financial crimes committed by public officeholders were the most significant threats to the economy, requiring the undivided attention of the anti-graft agencies.

“The leadership of the ICPC and EFCC should focus on their job, which is investigating financial crimes and prosecuting suspects. Financial crimes by public officeholders are the biggest crimes that affect and cripple the economy,” Georgewill stated.

He expressed concern over recent incidents where high-profile individuals who had held various offices were seen at award ceremonies with the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.

Georgewill urged the EFCC and ICPC to shun unnecessary involvement in political events and ceremonies, especially those involving individuals with questionable reputations.

He said, “Very recently, we saw persons who have held one office or the other in the country at an award ceremony with the EFCC chairman, and the EFCC chairman was even struggling to take pictures with them. This is a big challenge to the anti-graft efforts.”

Speaking further, he said, “The EFCC chairman shouldn’t be seen struggling to take pictures and having award ceremonies with political office holders who should be investigated or those who have been fingered for engaging in financial crimes.”

Reacting, the EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, dismissed the concerns raised by the CSOs, describing it as misplaced.

He emphasised that the EFCC remained dedicated to its mission of investigating and prosecuting financial crimes without being influenced by political considerations.

He said, “The EFCC is not partisan; that kind of call is out of place because the commission is focused, and we have our standard of procedures. There is no event or activity that can distract us from our mandate. So, such a call is out of place.”

Speaking further, the EFCC spokesman said, “There is nothing that can take away the focus and professionalism that is involved in our work. We are not exposed to politics.”