We’re Not Planning To Block Rivers Govt Accounts – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has dispelled claims that it is planning to block accounts linked to the Rivers state government.

Rivers state Governor, Nyesom Wike had at a function in Port Harcourt alleged that the EFCC was tracking activities on the accounts of the state government.

But the Zonal Head of EFCC, Nnaghe Obono-Itam denied the allegation while briefing newsmen at the South-South office in Port Harcourt.

Obono-Itam also said the anti-corruption is bound by a subsisting court order barring any agency from investigating accounts belonging to the Rivers state government.

He added that comments by Governor Nyesom Wike against the EFCC was an allegation.

The Head of EFCC in the South South, however, disclosed that the agency has secured thirteen convictions from the twenty-eight matters in court and one-hundred and sixty-six complaints received in the last five months.

The Zonal EFCC boss who is an Assistant Commissioner of Police also revealed that a fake contract syndicate who engage in selling fake NDDC form has been smashed by the commission.

According to him, “I am not aware that the EFCC, whether here or Abuja is monitoring the Rivers state. Those accounts are not spirits. They are run by human beings so, how will you block such an account without anyone knowing.

“There is a subsisting judgement during the time if Odili that bars the EFCC or Federal Government agencies from investigating the finances of Rivers state except through a complaint by the House of Assembly.

“If the Rivers state House of Assembly are satisfied with the way their funds are being managed, We don’t have a problem with that.

“People allege a lot things against the Federal government. Whether in the South East or the South South , the EFCC must do its job.”