‘EFCC compromising ex-gov Chime’s probe’

Sullivan Chime

FORMER National Auditor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ray Nnaji, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of compromising its ongoing corruption investigation of ex-governor Sullivan Chime’s administration in Enugu State.

Nnaji, a lawyer, told journalists in Enugu that he reliably leant from his contacts at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja that Chime sneaked into the place last Wednesday, where he spent 12 hours, yet the anti-graft agency did not deem it fit to let the public know what transpired.

The agency, he said, publicised such recent visits by other former governors, like Sule Lamido, Murtala Nyako, Ikedi Ohakim and even the wife of the Senate President, Toyin Saraki, but inexplicably kept secret Chime’s visit.

He noted that the visit of Chime’s former chief of staff, Ifeoma Nwobodo, and the state PDP Chairman, Ikeje Asogwa, who were being investigated alongside, were also publicised.

According to him, “this same man had boasted that he has strong contacts in EFCC and that nothing would happen to him. Now, he went to the EFCC Headquarters and stayed 12 hours and EFCC did not care to let the press know what happened.

What is more? My contacts in EFCC told me that he is doing everything to weaken the investigation of his administration and that some officials of the commission are already collaborating with him in this regard. “With his visit to EFCC shrouded in secrecy, what more evidence do I need to confirm that EFCC has compromised in the investigation of allegations of fraud and corruption against the immediate past administration in Enugu State led by Chime?”

He warned President Muhamadu Buhari not to overlook what is happening with regards to the Enugu investigation, as it is capable of undermining his anti-corruption war. Nnaji further alleged that his life was being threatened for championing the investigation. Nnaji had filed an application, sequel to an order of the court on July 2, 2015, granting him leave to apply for an order to compel EFCC to investigate Chime.

His allegations include “misappropriation of public funds worth over N12 billion and forgery of public document, the (Supplementary Appropriation Law 2012) to cover up same.”

Chime was also accused of inflation projects cost and stealing public funds through the Enugu State Project Development and Implementation unit, known as PDI, among others.

GUARDIAN