Edo state government has said that the invitation of the state Accountant General, four others and their detention by EFCC over an already repaid loan facility is aimed to cripple its governance.
Gatekeepers News reports that the state government in a statement released by HC Communication And Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare alleged that the reason for their invitation is to keep them in EFCC custody till November 12, on the day of the termination of the tenure of its government.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in a letter dated October 28, 2024, invited four officials from Edo State Treasury Office, including Accountant General, Julius Anelu to its Benin Office.
The letter of invitation, addressed to Secretary to the State Government and titled “Loans and Agricultural Interventions Granted to Edo State Government from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) from 2018 to date,” pertains to an agricultural facility that has since been repaid by the State Government.
The government officers, including the State Accountant on Thursday, honoured the invitation at Benin Office of EFCC to provide necessary answers as required by the EFCC.
According to the state government; upon realizing that one of the invited officials was no longer a signatory to the government account, EFCC released the officer and requested for the current signatory, whose name was not initially on the invitation letter.
The agency said it has also detained the officer at Abuja, in addition to the others who were originally invited and honoured the invitation.
Edo government said, “ EFCC seems intent on crippling governance in Edo State and acting out a script that portends grave danger to democracy. The reason for the invitation of these civil servants is clear, contrary to the invitation letter is to keep them in EFCC custody till November 12, the day of the termination of the tenure of this government.
“In fact, from Monday, government would have been grounded and will no longer be able to meet up with basic responsibilities and obligations.”
“This devious action is most condemnable and reprehensible and we urge the EFCC to act responsibly in the interest of democracy, justice, peace and the wellbeing of Edo people and immediately release these government officials, and not throw Edo State into chaos.”
The statement added, “Edo State Government led by Governor Godwin Obaseki runs a transparent and accountable Government. This Government runs until November 12th, 2024. Unconstitutional actions should not be done to hinder its operations.”
