The Bauchi State government has said that it will not accept the attempt by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to blackmail and put the State under unnecessary pressure as the 2023 general elections draw nearer.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Mukhtar Gidado.
According to the State government, in the last one week, residents of Bauchi metropolis have noticed that certain offices and companies of Government have been painted by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) in a manner meant to intimidate and distract the government.
He said the government had since challenged the action in the court of law.
He said, “Government wishes to inform its citizens that the Court after listening to the points raised by Government granted an injunction restraining EFCC from tempering with its property or doing anything capable of disrupting the smooth running of the affected government offices and companies pending the hearing and determination of motion on notice. It further directed the EFCC to remove the defacement it painted.
“The court had agreed that the actions of the EFCC are prima facie illegal and it is to appear before the court on the 9th November, 2022, to explain why they took such unwarranted action meant to destroy the economy of the State at a time when the government is doing everything possible to grow the Internally Generated Revenue of the State and to continue with its developmental projects for the betterment of its people.
“Government assures citizens of the State that it is a law abiding government and it will continue to fight for their rights. The Bauchi State Government under the inspirational leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed will not accept any agency of government, knowing that we are heading towards 2023 elections, to put her under unnecessary pressure and to blackmail the leadership.
“We note that all these brazen invasions are coming days before the opposition party launched its Gubernatorial campaign in the State. Perhaps the EFCC, knowing that the opposition party has nothing to offer in the State, decided to provide it with a talking point. More so as the EFCC is fully aware that the State has established its anti-corruption Commission following which it wrote to the EFCC informing it.”
