Posted by By Dapo Akinrefon on
Greater Baylesa Movement, GBM, a Yenagoa based political pressure group, has advised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for allowing itself to be used by politicians to settle selfish scores.
Greater Baylesa Movement, GBM, a Yenagoa based political pressure group, has advised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for allowing itself to be used by politicians to settle selfish scores.
The group expressed concern about the approach the anti-corruption agency adopted in the investigation of the Bayelsa state First Lady, Mrs Patience Goodluck, for allegedly stealing public funds. The group, absolved the First lady, arguing that 'some political detractors are just out to use the EFCC to tarnish the administration of Governor Goodluck Jonathan".
The Movement lamented the way the EFCC had allowed itself to be used by selfish politicians to spite innocent individuals especially public office holders, stressing that the stated two companies allegedly said to be used by Mrs Goodluck to divert public funds and under investigation were false.
According to the group, 'the recent allegation against Her Excellency, Mrs Patience Goodluck which was widely reported in the papers is very appalling and it shows the extent to which some disgruntled politicians in the country have decided to use the services of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, which they feel is the last resort, to witch-hunt those who refuse to do their biddings.
'We as a group kick against the use of the EFCC to settle scores of selfish politicians".
The group further stated that 'the use of EFCC by these so called politicians who have lost face in the polity to witch-hunt is uncalled for and we absolve her excellency, Mrs Goodluck of pilfering public funds. We therefore call on the EFCC to throw out such cases because as far as we are concerned, the alleged report is just another way of spiting the administration of Governor Goodluck Jonathan, who has done remarkably well since been at the helms of affairs in Bayelsa". It would be recalled that the the bayelsa political scene had been in the news over the fierce contest between the incumbent Governor Goodluck and his main challenger in the 2007 governorship race, Mr Timi Alaibe who is the Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
Only recently, the EFCC obtained a court order to investigate Mrs Patience Goodluck, wife of the Bayelsa State governor for alleged stealing of public fund. The move was immediately deplored by supporters of the governor who read political motive to the investigation, while the supporters of Alaibe applauded the move.A sum of N104 million said to be involved in the investigation has already been seized by the commission.