Abia: EFCC Not Our Political Tool – APC Chairman

The All Progressives Congress in Abia State has revealed that it is not using the Economic and Financial Crime Commission as a political tool.

The Abia State chapter of the party stated this while reacting to the claim that it is silent on the allegation levelled against the Speaker of Abia House of Assembly, Hon. Chienedum Orji.

Recall that there had been reports that the commission interrogated the former governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Orji and his son over the discovery of #153 billion naira alleged fraud during the ex-governor administration as Abia governor.

The Chairman of APC in Abia, Donatus Nwankpa, while reacting to the development, said the leadership of the party cannot use EFCC through media over the allegations of fraud levelled against the ex-governor and the Speaker.

Nwankpa said “We cannot undermine and jeopardize investigation through an exhibition of “infantile radicalism” by mobilizing and then before you know it, they go into hasty judgment”.

“Yes, we read in the newspaper and APC is still waiting for the official pronouncement of the EFCC and APC is the government that occupies the centre. We cannot be among the said opposition that undermines the principles of separation of powers and the principles of true democracy as preached by President Muhammadu Buhari. “Justice hastened is justice miscarried”, while “justice delayed is justice denied”.

“What we have been waiting for is the official response of EFCC. This is because this is an investigative level and the paper said: “from the authoritative source”.

“We are not doubting the authenticity of the report, but we want to get it directly from the body that is statutorily given that responsibility.

“After this, we also want to believe that the next step is prosecution and that is why I said “justice delayed is justice denied” and “justice hastened is justice miscarried”.

He noted that APC is not a party characterized by radicalism and will respect all institutions of government and all arms of government

“APC is not an opposition that is characterized by infantile radicalism. It is a responsible party, a party that respects all institutions of government and all arms of government.”

“It is not a government that is built around speculation, but a government that is very much against the exhibition of juvenile exuberance.”

“When APC takes this matter (up), before you know it, it will be politicized and people will think that we want to defeat our opponents through the back door when we know that Abia is already conquered by the APC, come 2023.”

“Nobody in PDP is a problem to APC, come 2023. APC started slowly in 2015 and by 2019, we have made a giant stride and by 2023, APC by the grace of God and the will of the people will take over the state.”

“For that, we don’t need to hit below the belt, but what we know is that we are waiting for the EFCC to do its duty. We will not dictate for them, but what we know is that EFCC has a time limit to do their job and they will not keep Nigerians waiting”.

He said, “EFCC is administered by responsible persons. They are selected people of integrity, impeccable character, people with conscience and dexterity to work, and people who are committed.”

He noted that the same people that are accusing the party of not commenting on the development, would attack the party of using EFCC if a statement is released.

“There is a statement we will make, the same people who are saying APC did not, will say that the party is using EFCC for politics. We want to avoid that.”

“What we want is to let the law take its course and we want an independent, objective and professional investigation in this matter and whoever is found culpable should be brought to book.”