‘Real Reasons Why We Are Involved In Election Monitoring’ – EFCC Boss, Ibrahim Magu Explains

The acting Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, has described the involvement of the Commission in the electoral process in the country as a necessary intervention needed to arrest the emerging trend of vote- buying and other criminal acts during the exercise.

Speaking in Yoruba during a special programme on Bond 92.9FM in Lagos, Magu said: “Let me first establish that the EFCC is apolitical. Our involvement in the last general election should be applauded by well-meaning Nigerians.

Vote- buying and inducement of voters by politicians are unfolding vices stealthily creeping into our electoral process. Vote-buying, in particular, had never been part of electoral process in the country and we must all frown at it. This is the reason we have resolved to nip it in the bud.

In the days leading to the election, we engaged in vigorous campaigns against those vices and enlightened the populace on the dangers of involving in such acts. We made them see reason why they should not sell their conscience.

I can confirm to you that the intervention recorded a lot of success. Many people were caught in the act in various parts of the country and I assure you that they will be prosecuted accordingly .”

Magu, who spoke through the EFCC’s Head of Public Affairs Directorate,PAD, Lagos, Oyewole Ayo, further decried the activities of internet fraudsters, saying “they have continued to give the country a bad name.”

He, however, said that the Commission would not relent in its efforts to smoke them out of their hideout and drag them before the court of law.

” The Commission is poised to conquer them. The Executive Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, has asked me to send a red alert to them that they should give up their criminal activities.

It is sad that some youths, especially undergraduates of higher institutions in the country, are dissipating their energy on a venture that can jeopardize their future. The clampdown is not only in Lagos; it is across the country, especially as we have now opened more offices in some of the states. ”

He further explained that as part of efforts to discourage the youth from engaging in this criminal practice, the Commission had been carrying out public advocacy and education against the commission of economic and financial crimes.

Ayo, who stated that the Commission had not been selective in its operation, also described the whistle- blowing policy of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration as a welcome development in the ongoing fight against corruption. He, therefore, encouraged Nigerians to volunteer information that could lead to the arrest of criminally minded individuals in the country .

“I call on Nigerians, wherever they may be, to be the eyes and ears of the Commission. The EFCC can’t be everywhere, so, we urge you to join hands with us to sanitise the country. As we have always said, there is a reward system in place for any genuine information by a whistleblower.”