The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has alerted the general public of the plan by a shadowy group to instigate a protest against the Commission, warning the promoters of planned protest to desist.
The anti-graft agency, in a release on Wednesday by its Head, Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, disclosed that in the last couple of days, a group has been actively campaigning on social media, recruiting impressionable young Nigerians, including students to take up “arms” against the EFCC.
Oyewale alleged that, “This insidious campaign is being promoted as resistance to the operational activities of the Commission, especially in respect of the enforcement of the laws dealing with cybercrimes.
“The Commission, while not averse to protests by citizens, is alarmed by emerging evidence that suggest a grand design by corrupt elements under investigation or prosecution by the Commission to exploit the so-called protest to orchestrate a national uprising that may threaten the peace and security of our dear nation.
“As a responsible law enforcement organisation, the Commission will not tolerate any breakdown of law and order anywhere in the country, especially around its office locations across Nigeria.”
Oyewale further stated that the EFCC, working in concert with sister security agencies, is therefore taking necessary measures to deal with possible threats to the peace and security of Nigeria.
He added, “The Commission, however, appeals to parents, guardians, and heads of tertiary institutions to take responsibility in ensuring that their wards are not recruited to be used as cannon fodder in a proxy war against the Commission by vested corrupt interests.
Meanwhile, he reiterated that the war being waged by the Commission against corruption and cybercrime is to protect the future of the youth of this country.
“That future is imperiled, if Nigeria degenerates further in the global reckoning as a den of fraudsters,” the statement added.
