Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has declared that except he has skeleton in his cupboard, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has no reason to be afraid over the probe of his financial dealings as governor of Kwara State.
The anti-graft body made the declaration in reaction to a statement by Saraki that the EFCC probe was a witch-hunt.
Saraki’s statement was issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu.
It would be recalled that Saraki was the governor of Kwara State between 2003 and 2011.
However, in a statement issued by its spokesman, Mr Tony Orilade, EFCC said the exercise it was carrying out was in the interest of the public.
It said the probe had not just begun but had been on for some time.
The group said except Saraki had something to hide he should not be afraid.
The statement reads in part: “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has taken note of the reactions of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki to the Commission’s inquiries regarding his earnings as Kwara State governor as well as on the quality of his financial stewardship in the Senate.
“While it is his prerogative to ventilate his views on the matter as he deems fit, the Commission takes strong exception at the desperate attempt to cast a slur on its investigative activities by portraying Saraki as a victim of persecution.
“Furthermore, the Agency finds the attempt by the Senate President to tie our inquest to his International Human Rights Commission, IHRC appointment and his approaching life out of power as misleading, knowing too well that the background to our current inquiries reaches several years back.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the EFCC is obligated by law to enthrone probity and accountability in the governance space and has supremely pursued this duty without ill-will or malice against anyone.
“It is in the interest of the public, and for Saraki’s personal good, that he is not only above board, but be seen at all times to be so.
“Indeed, all the instances in which the EFCC have had cause to sleuth into his financial activities either as a former governor or President of the Senate were driven by overarching public interest and due process of the law.
“The distinguished Senate President has no need to fret so long as he has no skeletons in his cupboard.”
