- EFCC raised the alarm about an impending protest planned against it
- The anti-graft agency said it would not tolerate any disturbance of order
- However, Nigerians took to social media to express their concern about some of the anti-graft agency’s mode of operations
Anti-graft agency, Economic Financial Crimes Commission, has raised the alarm about an impending protest by individuals under investigation, emphasising its zero-tolerance stance on any disruption of public order.
Dele Oyewale, who serves as the head of media and publicity for the commission, disclosed this message in a statement released on Wednesday, July 3.
EFCC says it is actively combating corruption
According to the anti-graft agency, the group has been vigorously promoting its agenda on social media, encouraging young Nigerians, including students, to oppose the EFCC forcefully.
The EFCC spokesman reiterated that the commission is actively combating corruption and cybercrime by its mandate, stressing the significance of securing the future of Nigeria's youth.
“The Commission, while not averse to protests by citizens, is alarmed by emerging evidence that suggest a grand design by corrupt elements under investigation or prosecution by the Commission to exploit the so-called protest to orchestrate a national uprising that may threaten the peace and security of our dear nation,” Oyewale stated.
EFCC will not tolerate any disturbance of order
He further said, “The Commission, however, appeals to parents, guardians and heads of tertiary institutions to take responsibility in ensuring that their wards are not recruited to be used as cannon fodder in a proxy war against the Commission by vested corrupt interests,” the EFCC spokesman said,”
Oyewole made it clear that the EFCC will not tolerate any disturbance of law and order, especially in the vicinity of its offices throughout the country.
Commission is working to control possible unrest
He added that the Commission is actively working with other security agencies to control possible unrest and maintain the peace and security of Nigerians.
Nonetheless, Nigerians have taken to social media to express their disapproval of the anti-graft agency, voicing their frustration and criticizing some of the Commission's operational methods.
Nigerians react to the EFCC's statement
“You should be ashamed of yourself. Who ever wrote the tweet is clearly mentally unstable. Shame on you,” Oluomo of Derby tweeted.
“I hope Nigerians stop reading this animal talk! Kenyans are doing it, and so can Nigerians! Anybody telling you not to protest is an oppressor. @officialEFCC go to hell! Una papa. 👋 ,” @General_Oluchi added.
“Dear @officialEFCC the criminals that are in what you described in your tweet are in the senate, house of assembly, in Aso Rock, the police and in the FCT ministry to mention but a few government agencies. How many of them are under your custody or on trials in court. You lot think that we are stupid and hungry. You are all jokers if not the president and his ministers and those mentioned in this tweet are the true enemies of Nigeria that you should be after because it’s their criminality that is responsible the downfall of the country!,” Wakeupafrica360 expressed.
“I don’t understand o. EFCC is issuing warning for citizens not to protest I don’t understand the jurisdiction they have to do that. It’s like FBI telling citizens not to protest. And people are taking them seriously?,”Ola questioned.
“When you go to people’s homes and force your way through their doors at night repeatedly, you expect them not to protest. I thought EFCC always acted on intelligence and meticulous cybercrime scrutiny, but they are no different from a street policeman. It’s really a shame!,” Erotic E shared his thoughts.
“EFCC has no business with stopping protests, & Nigerians have a right to call-out the agency over repeated gross miscount. Mind u, the public is still waiting on an update regarding the assaulted female staff of Regional Hotel; No names disclosed, but had it been civilians, their image will be posted across all major platforms,” Daniel Regha added.
“The EFCC needs a reminder that its role is to investigate financial crimes, not to maintain law and order,” Juba tweeted.
EFCC Raid on Hotels and Hostels: Action within or beyond the law?
Meanwhile, TheRadar had earlier reported that the EFCC’s raid of nightclubs in Ondo State on June 8 recorded massive violent attacks and vandalisation of properties.
People lamented how EFCC was gradually becoming like the proscribed Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and wondered if their actions were within the ambit of the law outside it.