As EFCC marks properties, Bauchi government talks tough.

Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports

The Bauchi State government has stated that it will not accept the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) attempt to blackmail and put the state under unnecessary pressure as the general elections in 2023 approach.

This was stated in a press release signed by Mukhtar Gidado’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.

According to the state government, in the last week, residents of Bauchi metropolis have noticed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has painted certain government offices and companies in an attempt to intimidate and distract the government.

He stated that the government had since filed a legal challenge to the action.

“Government wishes to inform its citizens that the Court granted an injunction restraining EFCC from tampering with its property or doing anything capable of disrupting the smooth operation of the affected government offices and companies pending the hearing and determination of motion on notice,” he said. It also ordered the EFCC to remove the defacement it had painted.

“The court agreed that the EFCC’s actions are prima facie illegal, and it is to appear before the court on November 9, 2022, to explain why they took such unwarranted action meant to destroy the state’s economy at a time when the government is doing everything possible to grow the state’s Internally Generated Revenue and to continue with its developmental projects for the betterment of its people.”

“The government assures state citizens that it is a law-abiding government that will continue to fight for their rights.” The Bauchi State Government, led by the inspirational Governor Bala Mohammed, will not allow any government agency, knowing that elections will be held in 2023, to put her under unnecessary pressure and blackmail the leadership.

“We note that all of these brazen invasions have occurred just days before the opposition party’s gubernatorial campaign in the state.” Perhaps the EFCC decided to provide a talking point for the opposition party because it knows it has nothing to offer in the state. More so because the EFCC is fully aware that the State has established its own anti-corruption commission, about which it informed the EFCC.”