The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is constitutionally required to look into claims of financial crimes, according to Segun Sowunmi, a former spokeswoman for former vice president Atiku Abubakar.
He made this statement in response to opposition leaders’ allegations that the federal administration was using the anti-graft agency to witch-hunt them.
No one is above the law, according to Sowunmi, and the constitution makes no exceptions for political coalitions, former officials, or opposition leaders.
In a statement released on Monday, he cautioned that attempts by political actors to weaponize opposition status as legal immunity pose a threat to democracy.
He pointed out that referring to an investigation as “victimization” is an attempt to use propaganda to thwart justice.
“Let it be stated plainly: opposition is not a license to steal, and it is not a shield against accountability,” he said. The Nigerian Constitution is unambiguous; it requires the State to outlaw power abuse and corruption. Political coalitions, opposition leaders, and former officials are not exempt.
When conducted legally, investigations, arrests, and prosecutions do not infringe upon basic rights. The Supreme Court, not political press conferences, decides this.
“The courts will clear you if you are innocent. The law will take its course if you are not. That is what the rule of law is all about. Those who have questions to answer should do so in front of the law; those with clean hands have nothing to fear.
“Enough is sufficient. Nigeria will not compromise the rule of law for expediency.
Sowunmi contended that when trust is violated, there are repercussions and that the appropriate responses to an investigation are expert legal defense and respect for due process, not political noise, foreign lobbying, or alarmism.
