The Federal Government has denied allegations that it is using anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to target political opponents.
Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja at the opening of the ICPC Roundtable Engagement on integrating State Commissioners of Information in the fight against corruption.
Idris said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to allowing anti-graft institutions to operate without interference.
“Fighting corruption is one of the eight priorities of President Tinubu’s administration. That’s why the government is strengthening institutions like the ICPC and EFCC. These agencies are not tools for political witch-hunting they operate independently and in line with the law,” he said.
He added that the President is pushing for judicial reforms to speed up corruption trials and ensure justice is not delayed.
“There will be no safe haven for corruption in Nigeria,” the Minister said.
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Speaking on the roundtable’s theme, “Partnership for Strengthening Transparency and Accountability at State and Local Government Levels Through Strategic Communications,” Idris emphasised the role of State Commissioners of Information in promoting accountability across all levels of government.
He called on state governments to set aside political differences and support the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to address long-standing economic challenges and promote national development.
“Regardless of political affiliation, it’s important to align with the opportunities in the Renewed Hope Agenda. It’s a plan to correct past neglect and support steady growth,” he said.
The Minister also commended the ICPC, led by Musa Aliyu, for its approach to engaging stakeholders at the state and local government levels to communicate government policies effectively.
“Fighting corruption is indeed one of the 8-Point priorities of the Tinubu administration, and that is why the President is strengthening the institutional framework to fight corruption, especially through the ICPC and the EFCC. By its policy of non-interference, the Tinubu administration has made it clear that anti-corruption agencies are not instruments of political witch-hunt. They operate with independence and professionalism in line with the rule of law,” he said.
