Civil Society Organisations and activists have asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for presenting Nigeria negatively over an attempt to arrest Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State.
They expressed concern that the agency is being used politically, contrary to its purpose.
During a press briefing in Abuja, the Coalition for Democracy and Justice, representing around 60 CSOs, responded to the commission’s non-compliance with a court order.
This order prevents actions against the former governor of Kogi State until a fundamental rights case is resolved.
Ojo Olukayode, speaking to the media, emphasised the importance of Tinubu and his supporters avoiding political manipulation that could undermine his agenda.
He stressed the importance of the EFCC respecting the judiciary and not yielding to political pressures that contravene a standing court order regarding Bello and his aides.
“It would be a sad day for democracy and the EFCC would have succeeded in turning itself into a law-breaking Commission that deserves to face the full weight of judicial retribution,” they warned.
According to them, one of the strongest threats to democracy is “when the rule of law is compromised in the service of crude politicking and personal score-settling plus other dark interests.”
The activists urged the EFCC to respect the law and court orders, warning that failure to do so could lead to serious consequences for democracy and the commission itself.
They urged the president to resist political influences against his allies, emphasising the need for truth and justice.
“Their voices of blackmail and wicked, false allegations may be loud, but truth remains constant and justice shall prevail ultimately. As Nigerians, we cannot allow hatred and injustice to win,” they declared.
The Coalition for Democracy and Justice, a group of activists and CSOs, focuses on justice-related issues and the protection of democracy.
