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EFCC Wahala: Blame Obasanjo’s Politics. By
Augustine Wachijem.
Obasanjo’s administration is quite unpopular in Nigeria today, but I believe achieved some level of success. He did not fail woefully as some commentators will want us to believe. His leadership style though sometime questionable showed in him that resolve to build a solid foundation for our socioeconomic growth. I am not a party member. I can not remember taking part in any election at home apart from the role some of us played during the 1993 elections as volunteers. I believe (I hope, I am right) that he made some bold and courageous decisions for the benefit of Nigeria. Some of these decisions are responsible for his unpopular image today, but time will tell his place in the history of Nigeria. Also some of his decisions were well accepted (maybe too early).
When OBJ started his fight against corruption, it was widely expected and applauded as a worthy cause. It was generally believed that the war against corruption had not been waged by previous administrations but few because they lacked the required courage and political will. Many of us rightly expected a tough battle ahead. Corruption in Nigeria is not just limited to activities in government, but has encroached and eroded our traditional society.
EFCC as one of the anti-graft agencies started very well and was also effective in carrying out its responsibilities. Very few people even the lawyers questioned their mode of operation. The agency was then hailed by various local and international bodies. Their targets then were people involved in various crimes like the so called 419ners. EFCC’s “wahala” and questions on their modus operandi started when they turned their search on the looting politicians. Then we started hearing of EFCC “been selective” and EFCC must be made to follow the “rule of law”. Now we have overnight advocates of rule of rule of law, even politicians.
Before the last election, EFCC on many occasions through its chairman made it known to all that cared to listen that they intend to investigate former governors once they live office. This was based on reported preliminary investigations carried out on these governors by EFCC. Ribbadu shouted it loud and clear that many of these governors will have some questions to answer concerning their various state treasuries. It is believed that Odili would have at least been a vice president today if not for Ribbadu and EFCC (no body talked about been selective on this).
The struggle for OBJ’s sit took different dimensions including the “third term” episode and the “Atikugate”. The demolition of the once deadly Atiku’s political structure after the Atikugate episode was massive. And I think this singular event put the governors’ forum in a very influential position that was meant to affect the outcome of the last presidential election. Though, it is believed that some of these former governors who had their different motives worked harder to position the governors’ forum. They tried and did present the idea of presenting one of the governors to take over from OBJ.
The former president easily bought the idea. Because it was rightly seen as the best option then, if they had to defeat Atiku who they believed had one or two surprises still in stock. The result of this was the massive role the Ibori’s and the Bukola Saraki’s played as kingmakers during the last elections. These people, with the support of OBJ smartly paved the way for the emergence of Yaradua, who they were sure, will easily be sold to the people for obvious reasons.
Yes, this political calculation was used to get victory at the poll, but it’s a victory that may prove to be too costly. They say “he who pays the piper dictates the tone”. You can not use these governors to install the present government and not allow then exercise some level of control on this administration. These influence they (ex-governors) have is what EFCC is struggling with today. No matter what they pretend to call it, whether “rule of law” , “blabla”, “this”or”that”, its just smoke screen. This administration will find it very difficult prosecuting these ex governors.
No doubt, OBJ and his political advisers have left this Administration and EFCC with very limited option as far as the anti-corruption war is concerned. Ribbadu as a man has shown so much courage, boldness and honesty. Very few of us doubt his capability and desire to move on with this fight. That he has not been accused by anybody of abusing his office in any way gives him that needed moral high ground to fight on. Our support as Nigerians to EFCC and other anti corruption agencies will help to sustain this battle. We have to support them, they need our support.
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