The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to focus on investigating notable issues such as allegations of budget padding and the return of fuel subsidy. Obi made these remarks during an appearance on Arise TV on Wednesday, emphasizing that the EFCC should prioritize addressing serious financial crimes over the arrest of individuals like Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.
According to a report by Daily Post, Obi expressed his concerns regarding the allocation of the EFCC's resources, highlighting the need for the anti-graft agency to concentrate on more pressing matters that impact the nation’s economy. "If it is not budget padding today, it would be undisclosed subsidy payment, inflated contracts, and all sorts of things," he said. "These are issues I want our agencies like EFCC to start dealing with but not arresting Bobrisky and Cubana Chief Priest. These are minor issues."
He criticized the focus on arresting Nigerians over the misuse of the local currency, the Naira, as a distraction from more substantial concerns. "Our agencies should face budget padding squarely, not arresting Bobrisky because he dressed like a woman and spent N500 notes," Obi stated, underlining the need for the EFCC to channel its efforts towards combating corruption and financial irregularities.
Obi's comments come following allegations by Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, who in March highlighted discrepancies in the 2024 budget. Ningi claimed that the National Assembly approved N25 trillion, while the President signed N28.7 trillion. Such discrepancies, according to Obi, are the kinds of issues that warrant the EFCC’s attention and action.
In addition to the budget concerns, there are ongoing claims that President Bola Tinubu has reintroduced part of the fuel subsidy that was abolished on May 29, 2023. Despite the presidency's firm denial, insisting that the fuel subsidy is permanently gone, the issue remains contentious and indicative of the need for transparency and accountability in government financial practices.
Obi’s call for the EFCC to refocus its efforts reflects a broader demand for the agency to tackle the root causes of financial mismanagement and corruption in Nigeria. The focus on high-profile but relatively minor issues, such as the activities of social media celebrities, detracts from the agency’s ability to address systemic problems that have far-reaching implications for the country’s economic health.
Obi also touched on the broader impact of such financial discrepancies on governance and public trust. He argued that addressing issues like budget padding and undisclosed subsidy payments would go a long way in restoring faith in public institutions and ensuring that public funds are used effectively and transparently.
The Labour Party candidate’s comments have sparked discussions among political analysts and the general public, many of whom share his concerns about the EFCC’s current focus and the broader implications for governance and economic stability in Nigeria. Critics argue that high-profile arrests, while attention-grabbing, do little to address the deep-seated issues of corruption and financial mismanagement that plague the nation.
Supporters of Obi's stance believe that a shift in the EFCC’s focus could lead to more substantive progress in tackling corruption and improving economic governance. They argue that by prioritizing major financial crimes, the EFCC can set a precedent for accountability and transparency, ultimately fostering a more stable and prosperous economic environment.