EFCC talks tough as 2019 election campaigns begin

The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Magu, has cautioned politicians against misuse of public funds for the forthcoming general elections.

Magu gave the warning in a statement signed by the commission’s Acting Head, Media and Publicity Mr Tony Orilade in Abuja on Wednesday.

The statement quoted Magu as giving the warning at a one-day retreat for 36 state governors and key election stakeholders.

Represented by the commission’s secretary Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, Magu said that as another election cycle approached, the EFCC would not fold its hands and watch the nation’s commonwealth squandered by corrupt politicians.

The retreat, which has as its theme as “Institutionalising Transparency, Accountability, And Anti-Corruption Issues in the Electoral Process in Nigeria”, was organised by the Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL).

He said EFCC would keenly monitor the financial affairs of political parties to ensure that the use of public funds to finance and prosecute their campaigns was checked.

He gave assurance that henceforth, donations to political parties and the identities of the donors would be of interest to the commission.

“To minimise corruption and the use of public funds to fund political parties and finance elections, there is need for greater effectiveness.

“In enforcing the provisions of the various electoral laws in Nigeria especially as they relate to penalties upon breach of their provisions.

“Political parties should be required to keep proper records of all incomes, contributions and expenditure, and to open their books for inspection by relevant security agencies after every electioneering cycle,” Magu said.

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