IYC Attacks Buhari Over Manhandling And Re-Arrest Of Ex-Nimasa Dg, Akpobulokemi

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has condemned the re-arrest and manhandling of the former director general of NIMASA, Mr. Patrick Akpobulokemi by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) at the premises of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Patrick Akpobulokemi, former DG of NIMASA

According to the group’s spokesperson, Eric Omare, the conduct of the security operatives is reminiscent of the military era and it is the height of impunity which must be condemned by all lovers of democracy.

In statement made available to our reporter on Tuesday, December 15, IYC said that Mr Akpobulokemi having been granted bail on two occasions by courts of law, there is no basis why the EFCC resorted to force in re-arresting him.

“The conduct of the EFCC in physically beating up and throwing Akpobulokemi into their vehicle clearly shows that the Buhari led federal government is not fighting corruption but persecution of political enemies. Nigerians would recall that during the presidential campaigns, Mr. Akpobulokemi was accused of sponsoring hate campaigns against General Buhari, hence the IYC is not surprised that the Mr. Akpobulokemi is now being subjected to such cruel treatment,” the statement said.

Speaking further, the group said it is not against the fight against corruption but maintained that it must be done within the ambit of the law, respect for human rights and all inclusive.

READ ALSO: EFCC Arraigns Ex-Nimasa DG, 9 Others Over N1.2B Theft

“What is presenting playing out is selective and vindictive attack on political enemies and this must be rejected and condemned by all. We wish to warn that harassment of political enemies would not in any way aid the success of the Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade but would only lead to its derailment.

“We also call on the EFCC to have a rethink on its ill-advised invitation of Chief Government Ekpemupolo and the threat to declare him wanted. The IYC strongly feel that such politically motivated actions of the anti-corruption agency would only succeed in heating up the polity and cause unrest in the Niger Delta region. Chief Ekpemupolo having approached the court of law as a law abiding citizen, the EFCC should wait for the outcome of the court proceedings. We wish to warn that where a government adopts illegal means to achieve its motives, citizens may be forced to resort to self-help,” the group added.

The former NIMASA DG and nine others, including two companies, were earlier arraigned before Justice Saliu Saidu of the same court on a separate charge of conspiring among themselves to divert N3.4 billion belonging to NIMASA. They also pleaded not guilty to the charge.

 

 

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