The Movement for the Rights of Arogbo-Ibe (MRAI) has vehemently condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over its recent statement that “nobody is above the law” and that High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, “will have questions to answer.”
In a strongly-worded statement signed by Hosea T. Ebikontei, Coordinator, and Bomi Stanley, Secretary, the group accused the EFCC of playing political scripts and not paying attention to real economic saboteurs within the corridors of power.
“It is laughable that the EFCC can find its voice when it comes to harassing a man who has done more to protect Nigeria’s oil infrastructure than most agencies combined, yet they are silent on state governors flagrantly disobeying the Supreme Court by withholding local government funds,” MRAI stated.
The group challenged the EFCC to focus its energy on state executives who have persistently violated constitutional provisions and looted public resources with impunity, rather than targeting individuals who are working to secure the Niger Delta.
“Where was the EFCC when governors ignored a binding Supreme Court ruling and strangled local government autonomy? Where is the Commission’s courage in the face of open financial recklessness by top politicians? Or has the EFCC become a willing tool for selective justice?” MRAI queried.
MRAI emphasised that High Chief Tompolo, as the head of Tantita Security Services Limited, has been instrumental in the fight against oil theft and the recovery of stolen crude oil assets. They warned that any attempt to undermine his work under the guise of an investigation would be viewed as an attack on the entire Niger Delta region.
“Enough of the hypocrisy. If the EFCC wants to be taken seriously, it should start by prosecuting the real economic criminals in power, not the defenders of the people,” the statement concluded.
The Movement called on the international community, civil society organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians to monitor what they termed a “calculated witch-hunt” and to speak out against injustice, double standards, and institutional bullying.
