The National Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Oginni Olaposi Sunday, has expressed doubt over the effectiveness of the court order obtained by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the party’s Presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, in protecting him from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) actions. Oginni stated that the court order is insufficient to shield Kwankwaso from being summoned, arrested, or prosecuted by the EFCC.
While addressing journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Oginni highlighted the pervasive corruption by past governments and politicians in Nigeria, noting that it has significantly undermined the country’s democracy. He remarked, “The continuous resistance of former governors to EFCC’s investigations is becoming worrisome.”
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Oginni pointed out that the NNPP, through its National Secretary, had called on the EFCC to investigate Kwankwaso and other party officials regarding funds collected from the sale of nomination forms and campaign donations for the 2023 elections. These funds were allegedly misappropriated by Kwankwaso and his associates.
He explained that in response to the impending EFCC investigation, Kwankwaso quickly sought and obtained an order from the Kano State High Court to prevent the anti-corruption agency from summoning him and other implicated officials. Oginni compared this action to that of Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, who also used a court order to obstruct EFCC proceedings.
Oginni criticized the tactic, saying, “Nigerians cannot forget in a hurry that Yahaya Bello also used Kogi State High Court to ‘procure’ a frivolous order similar to what Senator Kwankwaso also ‘procured’ from Kano State High Court to frustrate EFCC’s investigation and arrest.”
Asserting the NNPP’s commitment to lawful conduct, Oginni emphasized that the party has formally approached the relevant government agencies tasked with combating corruption. He expressed confidence in the EFCC’s ability to carry out its duties, stating, “We cannot teach the EFCC how to discharge its job. I am very sure that the anti-graft agency is up to the task.”
