Saraki explodes over probe of spendings from 2003, reveals those using EFCC

[Edoman]

You Are Not Above the Law, EFCC tells Saraki






The EFCC just released a statement replying Senate President who in a press release accused the antigraft agency of planning to witchhunt him. Recall that the agency has concluded plans to investigate Saraki's time as governor of Kwara state from 2003 to 2011.
 
The anti-graft agency in a letter signed by its Zonal head, Isyaku Sharu and sent to the Kwara state government recently, stated that Saraki is to be investigated for an alleged case of conspiracy, abuse of office, misappropriation of public funds, theft, and money laundering.
 
Saraki in a statement released yesterday via his media aide, Yusuf Olaniyonu, said this new investigation into his activities as Governor of Kwara State is a repeat performance.
According to Saraki,

''The EFCC is fishing for evidence that they did not get in the past investigations which has spanned almost nine years. However, we need to remind the Commission that Dr. Saraki is not an outgoing Governor. Since 2011, tens of governors have been in and out of our various State Houses. Like wise, hundreds of Senators and Representatives have been in and out of the National Assembly. To single out one individual for persistent investigation can only be logically and plausibly interpreted to be a witch-hunt. This is definitely no fight against corruption. It is a battle waged against a ‘political enemy’. It is a ‘label to damage’ plot''.

 
In a statement released this afternoon, the EFCC said it can investigate Saraki anytime it wishes as he is not above the law. Read the statement below

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has taken note of the reactions of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki to the Commission's inquiries regarding his earnings as Kwara State governor as well as on the quality of his financial stewardship in the Senate.
While it is his prerogative to ventilate his views on the matter as he deems fit, the Commission takes great exception at the desperate attempt to cast a slur on its investigative activities by portraying Saraki as a victim of persecution.
Furthermore, the Agency finds the attempt by the Senate President to tie our inquest to his International Human Rights Commission, IHRC appointment and his approaching life out of power as misleading, knowing too well that the background to our current inquiries reaches several years back.
For the avoidance of doubt, the EFCC is obligated by law to enthrone probity and accountability in the governance space and has supremely pursued this duty without ill-will or malice against anyone.
It is in the interest of the public, and for Saraki's personal good, that he is not only above board, but be seen at all times to be so.
Indeed, all the instances in which the EFCC have had cause to sleuth into his financial activities either as a former governor or President of the Senate were driven by overarching public interest and due process of the law.
Against the background of the posse of indicting petitions and other evidence available to the EFCC, even Saraki will agree with the Commission that putting him through a legitimate forensic inquiry is the legitimate route to establish his integrity as a public servant.
The distinguished Senate President has no need to fret so long as he has no skeletons in his cupboard.
The Commission has a sacred mandate to rid the country of corruption and corrupt elements and restates its unflinching resolve to achieve these, no matter whose ox is gored.

by Linda