Edo State Commissioner: EFCC’s Actions Are Part of a Shameless Power Play by Incoming Administration

Edo State Commissioner for Information, Chris Nehikhare, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of being used as a tool in a “shameless power play” by the incoming administration. Nehikhare’s statement comes in the wake of the recent arrest of the state’s Accountant-General and several other government officials, which he claims is part of an orchestrated effort to manipulate the state’s financial resources.

In a press briefing held in Benin City, Nehikhare strongly criticized the move, suggesting that the arrests were politically motivated and aimed at destabilizing the current government as the incoming administration prepares to take office. He alleged that the actions of the EFCC were part of a broader strategy to seize control of the state’s treasury and secure funds for the incoming administration’s inauguration.

“This is a desperate attempt to undermine the achievements of the current administration and destabilize the state in the lead-up to the handover of power,” Nehikhare said. “The arrest of the Accountant-General and other top officials is nothing more than a ploy to dip their hands into the state’s treasury. Their goal is clear: to secure funds to finance their inauguration and consolidate power before they even take office.”

The EFCC, in a series of operations over the past few days, arrested several officials from the Edo State Ministry of Finance, including the Accountant-General, on allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption. While the EFCC has yet to formally release detailed charges against the arrested individuals, the agency has said that the investigation is related to alleged fraud and diversion of state funds.

However, Nehikhare, who is a key member of the outgoing administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki, has dismissed the charges as baseless and politically motivated. He accused the incoming administration of using the EFCC as a weapon to target political opponents and weaken the current government’s financial position in the crucial final days before power is handed over.

"The incoming administration knows they do not have the moral or financial legitimacy to begin their tenure without securing resources through dubious means," Nehikhare continued. "They are using the EFCC as a pawn in this shameless power grab, all while pretending to be fighting corruption."

Needing little introduction, Chris Nehikhare, a well-respected figure within Edo State’s political scene, is known for his strong defense of the outgoing administration’s policies. Under the leadership of Governor Obaseki, Edo State has seen significant strides in infrastructure development, economic reforms, and anti-corruption initiatives. Nehikhare has consistently supported the governor’s push for transparency and accountability in governance, which he argues is now being undermined by the politically motivated actions of the EFCC.

The controversy surrounding the arrests comes at a time of heightened political tension in Edo State, as the transition of power is set to take place. The state’s political landscape has been marked by fierce rivalry between the outgoing administration and the incoming government, particularly over the control of state finances and political influence.

The EFCC, however, has maintained that it is simply carrying out its duty to investigate alleged financial crimes in the public sector, irrespective of political affiliation. The agency’s spokesperson recently stated that the investigation is part of a broader effort to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.

As the political drama unfolds, all eyes are now on the judiciary and the EFCC’s next moves. Legal experts have warned that if the allegations turn out to be politically motivated, it could further deepen divisions in the state and undermine trust in the country’s anti-corruption institutions.

In the meantime, Chris Nehikhare and the Obaseki administration have vowed to continue fighting for the integrity of the state’s financial system and to expose what they call the "political witch-hunt" behind the arrests.

The unfolding situation in Edo State promises to be a key issue in Nigerian politics, as it raises questions about the weaponization of state institutions for political gain and the delicate balance of power during political transitions.