Lagos, November 7, 2024– Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to extend its anti-corruption efforts to other former governors, especially those in the “G-5” group, following the recent arrest of ex-Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
In a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, Frank expressed support for the EFCC’s efforts to curb corruption but urged the commission to avoid selective justice. He emphasized that while he supports Okowa’s arrest, the EFCC should also target other former governors accused of similar offenses. “While Okowa’s arrest marks a significant step toward accountability, the EFCC should adopt a comprehensive approach and investigate all former governors with pending petitions, particularly members of the G-5,” he said.
The G-5, which includes former Governors Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), is a coalition of PDP governors who supported President Tinubu in the 2023 elections. Frank claimed that, despite accusations of financial misconduct against some of these figures, they appear to be exempt from EFCC scrutiny. He specifically noted, “Wike, like others, has no immunity and cannot be above the law.”
Frank further alleged that a directive from the presidency may be preventing the EFCC from investigating these governors as part of a political arrangement following the 2023 elections. “We challenge the EFCC to prove otherwise by arresting members of the G-5 based on the multiple petitions against them,” he urged.
Additionally, Frank called for investigations into officials within Tinubu’s administration, including the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and the Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawale, who have faced corruption allegations. He argued that targeting only opposition figures would suggest political bias, saying, “Selective justice would only amount to a political vendetta.”
Frank’s call highlights ongoing public scrutiny of anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria, with many citizens calling for transparent and impartial enforcement of the law across political lines.
