Edo condemns EFCC over arrest of accountant-general, others

The Edo State Government on Saturday urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release the government officials in her custody and not throw the state into chaos.

Some Edo state government officials, including the Accountant General, who are signatories to the state account, were arrested and are in detention at the EFCC facility.

Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, in a statement, condemned the action of the EFCC.

He said the action of the EFCC to keep the government officials detained till November 12 is tantamount to crippling government and governance.

Nehikhare said that the EFCC in a letter dated October 28, 2024, invited four officials from the Edo State Treasury Office, including the Accountant General, Julius Anelu, to its Benin Office over an agricultural facility that has since been repaid by the State Government.

“The government officers, including the State Accountant  on Thursday, honoured the invitation as requested at the Benin Office of the EFCC to provide necessary answers as required by the EFCC.

The commissioner noted that the EFCC seems intent on crippling governance in Edo State and acting out a script that portends grave danger to democracy.

“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,” he said.

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According to him, the Edo State Government led by Governor Godwin Obaseki runs a transparent and accountable Government. This Government runs until November 12th, 2024.

“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, on the day of the termination of the tenure of this government,” he said.

“In fact, from Monday, the government would have been grounded and will no longer be able to meet up with basic responsibilities and obligations.

“The EFCC, acting under the directive of influential figures, targeted state officials who are signatories to the state account, resulting in their arrest and detention.”

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