UK warns EFCC, INEC over 2019 election

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright has warned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, against bias ahead of the 2019 general elections.

The UK envoy spoke when he visited the corporate headquarters of the EFCC in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said, “INEC and EFCC should be there to preserve the integrity of the political process, including taking forward investigations without any prejudice on one side or the other, following the evidence and taking action where it is justified.

“We are pleased to see how the EFCC operates, and we are assuring you of the endless support of the British Government in the fight against corruption.
“The UK and Nigeria have evolved and made progress in the fight against corruption, and the EFCC’s achievements have been impressive,” he added.
Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, thanked the British Government for its support.

“I assure you that there is no political interference in what we do. We will continue to work with stakeholders like INEC who we have an agreement with to ensure that there is no interference to ensure free and fair elections in Nigeria and we will stop people using money to buy votes,” he said.
On investigations, Magu said, “We do not invite anybody here if he is not found to be involved in one offence or crime and that is why when you come here, it takes a lot of efforts to be off the chain. Whatever case that comes to the EFCC is investigated to a logical conclusion. We take the case to court which gives the final decision.”