The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to dismiss the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, accusing him of incompetence.
In a statement signed by ten members of the CUPP’s various committees and shared with the media in Abuja, the group expressed disappointment in the EFCC’s handling of the situation involving former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
The CUPP noted the controversy surrounding Bello’s case, highlighting that despite the EFCC previously declaring him wanted and placing him on an international watchlist, the Commission allowed him to leave freely when he turned himself in.
The group criticized the EFCC for failing to act during Bello’s appearance, stating, “A competent leader would have tactfully taken him into custody without causing a scene. The EFCC’s current leadership seems unprepared for the complex task of handling corruption cases.”
They also pointed out the EFCC’s subsequent failed attempt to arrest Bello at night, which they described as a reckless move that could have led to severe consequences for the nation’s stability.
CUPP urged the government to reconsider its choice of leadership for the EFCC, emphasizing that the Commission’s recent actions have raised concerns about its ability to fight corruption effectively. They argued that a senior officer from a security agency, rather than a legal practitioner, should be leading the anti-corruption body.
“If President Tinubu is serious about tackling corruption, a qualified professional from a security background should be appointed to avoid further embarrassment both locally and internationally,” the statement concluded.
