Public Affairs Commentator Urges EFCC to Investigate Corruption Allegations Against Former Governors
Ken Okolugbo, a former commissioner of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to launch an inquiry into corruption allegations leveled against former governors.
During an appearance on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande aired on Channels Television, Okolugbo emphasized the importance of transparency by urging that the report of the probe of the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry be made public for Nigerians to access.
Okolugbo highlighted the connection between poverty and corruption, stressing that the fight against corruption cannot continue in the same vein as before. He cited the recent prosecution of notable figures such as former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, ex-Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, ex-Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, ex-Kwara governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, ex-Anambra State governor Willie Obiano, and others by the anti-graft agency under Ola Olukoyede.
Additionally, Okolugbo commended the EFCC’s efforts in cracking down on Nigerians involved in currency speculation and racketeering. However, he urged the EFCC chairman to purge the agency of corrupt elements to ensure effective prosecution of corruption cases.
Regarding President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Okolugbo lauded its robust approach to combating corruption over the past year, comparing it favorably to the eight-year anti-graft campaign under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Okolugbo criticized the Buhari government for granting pardon to former governors Jolly Nyame and Joshua Dariye, describing it as a low point. He argued that such actions undermine the integrity of the justice system and embolden others to engage in corrupt practices.
The National Council of State pardoned Nyame, Dariye, and 157 other convicts in April 2022, based on the recommendation of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy. Both Nyame and Dariye were serving jail terms for corruption-related offenses before their pardons by the Buhari government.
