By Atoyebi Nike
A coalition of civil society organizations under the National Interest Coalition (NICO) has raised concerns over an alleged conspiracy to weaken President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anti-corruption agenda and discredit the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
At a press conference in Abuja on Monday, NICO’s convener, Comrade Bashir Saleh Abdu, accused some senior government officials of sponsoring a coordinated campaign to blackmail the EFCC under its Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede.
Abdu alleged that billions of naira in stolen funds were being deployed to derail ongoing investigations, undermine the government, and shield corrupt officials from prosecution.
“They want to divert attention from the ongoing investigations that have exposed their dirty dealings, thereby sabotaging the government and empowering its enemies,” he said.
The group claimed that secret meetings had been held with dissident figures to sponsor smear campaigns against the President, the EFCC, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
NICO urged President Tinubu to remain resolute and encouraged the EFCC leadership not to succumb to intimidation, stressing that no one should be above the law.
The coalition also called on civil society groups, labour unions, student bodies, religious leaders, and the media to support the anti-graft war.
According to the group, since May 2023, the Tinubu administration has strengthened fiscal controls, expanded the use of technology to curb leakages, and empowered anti-graft agencies to prosecute powerful individuals without political interference.
It commended Mr. Olukoyede’s leadership of the EFCC, citing billions of naira recovered, crackdowns on cybercrime, and prosecution of high-profile individuals as evidence of progress.
NICO warned that corruption was “fighting back” through orchestrated media attacks, propaganda, and political distractions, but vowed to resist any attempt to sabotage the anti-corruption war.
“This is not just an attack on Mr. Olukoyede; this is a direct attack on President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda and on the millions of Nigerians who demand accountability,” the group said.
