By Mohammed Bello Doka
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a comprehensive investigation into the alleged misappropriation of N423 billion involving former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and key officials from his administration. This move comes amidst accusations that the EFCC is selectively ignoring similar allegations involving other prominent figures, including Tunji Ojo and Dr. Betta Edu.
The probe into El-Rufai's administration follows a petition submitted by a non-governmental organization (NGO) and is supported by the findings of an Ad-Hoc Committee from the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The EFCC’s investigative team plans to summon El-Rufai for questioning, alongside other officials who served during his tenure from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023. These include former Finance commissioners, accountant generals, and chairpersons of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS) from 2018 to 2023. Additionally, former managing directors of the Kaduna Market Development and Management Company Ltd and the Kaduna Roads Agency (KADRA) within the specified period will also be interrogated.
Notably, the investigation does not extend to Engineer Amina Ja’afar Ladan, who served briefly as the managing director of KADRA for just one month.
An EFCC source revealed, "We are in receipt of a petition from an NGO, prompting our investigation into the matters raised. The report from the Ad-Hoc Committee of the Kaduna State House of Assembly provides a solid foundation for our probe. The Special Task Force held an extensive session on Monday to deliberate on the contents of the petition and the report."
While the EFCC’s actions against El-Rufai are seen by some as a significant step towards accountability, critics argue that it represents a politically motivated witch-hunt aimed at curbing his growing influence.
Simultaneously, there are concerns over the EFCC's apparent neglect of allegations involving Tunji Ojo and Dr. Betta Edu. Tunji Ojo has confessed that a company owned by his wife received hundreds of millions from the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Betta Edu, who herself faces accusations of embezzling public funds. Despite these serious claims, the EFCC has not initiated a formal investigation into their activities, raising questions about selective justice and the integrity of the commission’s operations.
This selective scrutiny has fueled public discourse on the impartiality of the EFCC, with many calling for a more balanced and comprehensive approach to tackling corruption, irrespective of political affiliations or positions of power. The unfolding investigations are likely to have significant implications for the political landscape and public trust in anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria.
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