EFCC summons Edo State treasury officials, sparking concerns over political motives

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned four officials from the Edo State Treasury Office, including Accountant General Julius Anelu, to its Benin Office.

The invitation, dated October 28, 2024, pertains to inquiries regarding loans and agricultural interventions received by the Edo State Government from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) from 2018 to present.

The officials complied with the EFCC’s request to provide necessary information.

However, one officer, who is no longer a signatory to the government account, was released upon the EFCC’s realization of this fact.

The agency subsequently requested the current signatory, who has now been detained in Abuja along with the other summoned officials.

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Critics argue that the EFCC’s actions are aimed at destabilizing governance in Edo State, with concerns that these moves could threaten democratic processes.

The Edo State Government, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, emphasizes its commitment to transparency and accountability, urging the EFCC to act responsibly and release the detained officials to prevent chaos in the state.

The current government remains in office until November 12, 2024, and insists that unconstitutional actions should not obstruct its operations.