Arewa Youth Faults EFCC Refusal To Prosecute Ganduje

Arewa Youth Assembly has expressed concern over the continued culture of selective prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in the case involving the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Umar Ganduje.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the President of the group, Aliyu Mohammed, said this issue is threatening the integrity of public institutions and the fight against corruption in the country.

The group called for an impartial approach to the fight against corruption.

He said: “Recent reports indicate a disturbing trend where the EFCC, under the leadership of Mr Ola Olukoyede, has been notably lax in pursuing corruption cases against prominent political figures, particularly those affiliated with the powers in government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Among these politically exposed persons in particular is a former Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Umar Ganduje who has faced serious allegations of corruption, including money laundering, diversion of public funds, and bribery.

“What is particularly alarming is he no longer enjoys constitutional immunity, yet he remains untouchable by the EFCC and ICPC.

“This raises critical questions about the integrity and impartiality of the commissions. Why has the EFCC chosen to abandon these high-profile cases?

“Are we witnessing a calculated decision to shield certain individuals while aggressively pursuing opposition members and others who are not favored by the powers that be in today’s government?

“The selective nature of these prosecutions not only undermines public confidence in the EFCC but also reinforces the perception that the commission has become an extension of the ruling APC.

“Many Nigerians are asking: has the EFCC, under Olukoyede’s leadership, lost its independence and objectivity? The silence surrounding the cases of Ganduje and the current Senate President who is also a former Governor, Godswill Akpabio, speaks volumes about the political motivations that may be at play.

“Nigerians deserve to see a commitment to justice that goes beyond political affiliations. The current climate of fear and uncertainty, where only those in opposition to the ruling Party or who don’t enjoy the favors of high government officials are the ones being targeted is unacceptable.

“This behavior erodes trust in our public institutions and discourages citizens from reporting corruption, knowing that the system may not act fairly.

“We call upon the EFCC to demonstrate its commitment to its mandate by immediately commencing prosecutions against these politically exposed persons, particularly Alhaji Umar Ganduje and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

“This is not merely a request; it is a demand for accountability and transparency that every Nigerian deserves.

“By taking decisive action against those alleged of corruption regardless of their political status and affiliations, the EFCC can begin to restore faith in its operations.

“It is imperative that the commission acts without further delay to prove that it is not a tool of political persecution but a genuine defender of justice and integrity.

“Furthermore, we urge the EFCC to publicly clarify its criteria for pursuing cases and provide transparency in its decision-making processes.

“The perception of bias must be addressed directly, and the commission must actively work to dispel the notion that it is operating under political influence.

“Former Governor Ganduje has already been indicted in Kano state and undergoing prosecution by the Kano state anti-graft agency which has duly published all the facts of the case.

“Till date, Ganduje has refused to show up in Court and is walking freely all around the country but avoiding Kano state where he has been indicted for massive corruption.

“Huge corruption allegations were also hanging heavy on former Governor Ganduje but the ruling APC still went ahead to make him their national chairman. What a shame!

“We stand united in our call for an impartial approach to the fight against corruption. The EFCC has a duty to uphold the law without fear or favor.

“Only through fair and consistent enforcement can we hope to eradicate the pervasive culture of corruption in our society.

“The EFCC must reopen the corruption allegations against Alhaji Ganduje without further delay.

“We will continue to monitor developments as related to this matter and we won’t hesitate to hit the streets in protests if the EFCC continues to fail in its duties as it concerns this case.

“Being the national chairman of the ruling party doesn’t confer immunity from corruption prosecution or any special privileges from criminal prosecution where applicable.”