As news of the planned protests by certain groups against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filters in, Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative has led a Coalition of Civil Society Groups for National Stability has vowed to mobilise millions of its members to defend the anti-graft agency.
The EFCC believes it has recently been under a media war of incitements and blackmail, believed to be sponsored by persons under investigation by the Commission for high profile financial crimes, corruption and cybercrimes.
In a press release signed by Danesi Momoh, the Convener of Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative on behalf of the Coalition and made available to journalists in Abuja, the group pledged to stand firmly behind the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukayode and Mr. President’s anti-corruption crusade.
The release reads in part, “It is no longer news that some persons who we suspect to be working for criminals being investigated or prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are planning to stage a protest against the EFCC. Details of the available information before us is that they are seeking an end to EFCC as an agency.
“In all this, EFCC is not the eventual target. It is just a smokescreen for a larger plot to destabilize the country by disgruntled vested political interests. Those interests intend to exploit citizens genuine disenchantment over the hardship being experienced due to the economic reforms of the Federal Government.
“We wish to make it clear that this country belongs to all of us, and we shall not fold our arms and allow miscreants and persons of questionable character and intentions to destabilize or inflame the country. While protests are the democratic rights of citizens, this particular one is an orchestrated mischief and at worst, a pure criminal venture”, the release pointed out.
The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for National Stability as led by Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative (EUYI) as part of its unfailing patriotic duties will “mobilize to defend EFCC, its offices and the country tomorrow, Friday July 5, 2024 and any other date those defenders of crime may wish to come out and disturb the public peace.
“We are sending this message loud and clear that anybody who wishes to promote criminality in this country or cause a breakdown of law and order will be roundly defeated. We are on the streets and any fraudulent attempt to exploit the right of dissent of citizens for criminal enterprises will be confronted and quelled”.
The Coalition passed a vote of confidence on the impeccable leadership of the EFCC under Chairmanship of Mr. Olanipekun Olukayode whom they believe has received wide national and global commendation for his tireless efforts to reposition Nigeria and eradicate the scourge of corruption.
“It is gratifying to note that the heat is on these criminals. This act of desperation is a testament that EFCC has once again reinvented itself to the level of putting the heat on economic and financial criminals We have absolute confidence in the EFCC and its leadership.
“Let us reiterate that if anybody attempts to abuse that right to protest peacefully either tomorrow or at any other date, they shall meet with fellow citizens who believe that the country is more than any other pecuniary interest. Ours is to remain on the side of patriotism and national stability”, the statement concluded.
