By John Ogunsemore
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)has said that a shadowy group is recruiting young Nigerians to “take up arms” against the commission by way of protest.
In a Wednesday statement signed by its spokesman, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC said the group has been actively campaigning on social media and recruiting impressionable young Nigerians, including students, in the last couple of days.
“This insidious campaign is being promoted as resistance to the operational activities of the Commission especially in respect of the enforcement of the laws dealing with cybercrimes.
“The Commission, while not averse to protests by citizens, is alarmed by emerging evidence that suggest a grand design by corrupt elements under investigation or prosecution by the Commission to exploit the so-called protest to orchestrate a national uprising that may threaten the peace and security of our dear nation,” the statement reads in part.
The EFCC said that as a responsible law enforcement organisation, it would not tolerate any breakdown of law and order anywhere in the country especially around its office locations across Nigeria.
The anti-graft commission said it is working with sister security agencies to take necessary measures to deal with possible threats to the peace and security of Nigeria.
“The Commission, however, appeals to parents, guardians and heads of tertiary institutions to take responsibility in ensuring that their wards are not recruited to be used as cannon fodder in a proxy war against the Commission by vested corrupt interests.
“The war being waged by the Commission against corruption and cybercrime is to protect the future of the youth of this country. That future is imperiled if Nigeria degenerates further in global reckoning as a den of fraudsters,” the commission noted.
