The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC has reacted to the alleged media attacks by Governor of Zamfara State against its chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, saying the recent attacks were sponsored by those on the watchlist of the commission.
This was contained in statement made available by the Commission via his official Twitter handle as read in part:
“The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has been drawn to a trending interview granted to the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, by Bello Muhammed Matawalle, governor of Zamfara State, where he allegedly made wild bribery allegations against the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa
“Matawalle’s recourse to mudslinging is symptomatic of a drowning man clutching at straws. But despite the irritation of his phantom claims, the Commission will not be drawn into a mud fight with a suspect under its investigation for corruption and unconscionable pillage of the resources of his state. If Matawalle will be taken seriously, he should go beyond sabre-rattling by spilling the beans – provide concrete evidence as proof of his allegations.
“Again, the Commission wishes to alert the public about plans by some of the alleged corrupt politically exposed persons to flee the country ahead of May 29. The Commission is working in close collaboration with its international partners to frustrate these escape plans and bring those involved to justice.”.
Recall, EFCC has made it known to the public that it has sent invitations to some serving governors and other government officials to turn themselves in at the EFCC headquarters immediately after their tenure expiration.
Among those invited by the EFCC are the erstwhile Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, serving governor of Zamfara State, Matawalle, Yahya Bello of Kogi State among several others.