Despite Petition, Group Accuses EFCC Of Failing To Probe Ayade

Worried by the delay in investigating former Cross River State governor, Ben Ayade, eight months after its petition, the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking Initiative (NACAT), has charged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to open investigation against the former governor for alleged misappropriation of funds during his time in office.

At a press briefing yesterday in Abuja, the executive director, investigation of NACAT, Tega Oghenedoro said having submitted a petition to the EFCC on May 2, 2023 and having the petition adopted, it is surprising that no investigation has been instituted against Ayade.

Oghenedoro said, “As an NGO, we have provided the entire Cross River State account details and how monies were allegedly approved by Ayade recklessly and diverted. In the course of our private and detailed investigation, we highlighted the grey areas for the EFCC to focus on. Indeed, the EFCC investigators commended us for such a diligent work, which has made their work easier. We therefore wonder why Ayade has not been invited, investigated and prosecuted.”

NACAT said, “The EFCC’s decision to revisit the corruption cases of former governors is laudable and has the support of all civil society organisations in Nigeria, especially that of the NACAT. The affected governors as listed by the EFCC include two former Ekiti State governors, Kayode Fayemi and Ayo Fayose; former Zamfara State governor, Bello Matawalle; two former Enugu State governors, Chimaroke Nnamani and Sullivan Chime; former Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Adamu; former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso. Others are former Rivers State governor, Peter Odili; former Abia State governor, Theodore Orji; former Gombe State governor, Danjuma Goje; former Sokoto State governor, Aliyu Wamako; former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva; and former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido.

“In the face of this revisitation is the case of the immediate past governor of Anambra State, Governor Willie Obiano. We are, however, concerned by the fact that, despite the plethora of facts and figures, audit reports and account statements which indict the former Governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade, as submitted to the headquarters of the EFCC, nothing tangible is seen to have happened.”