Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has bemoaned the obstruction of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from performing its constitutional duties.
The latest development, follows the EFCC’s attempt to arrest former governor of Kogi State, Yayaha Bello, proved abortive on Wednesday despite obtaining a court order.
” It is now beyond doubt that the EFCC is given power by the law to invite any person of interest to interact with them in the course of their investigation into any matter regardless of status.
“Therefore, the least that we can all do when invited, is not to put any obstruction in the way of EFCC but to honourably answer their invitation. A situation where public officials who are themselves subject to protection by law enforcement agents will set up a stratagem of obstruction to the civil and commendable efforts of the EFCC to perform its duty is, to say the least, insufferably disquieting.”
“A flight from the law does not resolve issues at stake but only exacerbates it.
I state unequivocally that I stand for the rule of law and will promptly call EFCC and indeed any other agency to order when there is an indication of any transgression of the fundamental rights of any Nigerian by any of the agencies but I also tenaciously hold the view that institutions of state should be allowed to function effectively and efficiently.” He Concluded.
