EFCC Probe of PDP Funds Not Persecution, Says Alkali

By Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Former Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali, has endorsed the ongoing investigation into the past administration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the campaign funds of the Jonathan/Sambo 2015 Presidential Campaign Organisation (PCO).

The former President Jonathan’s aid said as far he is concerned there was no form of interferance from any quarters in the investigation and trials being conducted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement issued yesterday by the politician, he urged all those complaining about the way the anti-corruption crusade was being prosecuted to allow the security agencies to carry out their functions without hindrance.

“I am constrained to react to the continuous media reports in recent times concerning the ongoing investigation into the past administration of the PDP and the campaign funds of the Jonathan/Sambo 2015 PCO.

“All this while, I have resisted the urge and temptation to join issues with the sponsors and  writers of these stories, hoping that in good time, they will know the truth. However, it has  become imperative at this stage, to urge writers of those stories to allow the security agencies who are made up of highly competent and well trained professionsls to handle the investigations diligently.

“My resolve to keep silent since these issues were first reported in the papers was mainly because of my fair understanding and respect of the system, having served my country in various capacities over the years.

“The issues under investigation are within the powers of the relevant agencies charged with the constitutional responsibility to do so and I believe that the agencies have been doing their work without any interference by anyone. I therefore have absolute confidence in the ability and capacities of the men and women who are saddled with  the task of cleansing the system to do their work in line with their mandate.

“In my view it is time we move away from the dramatisation of serious issues and  focus our attention and  energy towards consolidating on the gains of democracy in our country, “ he said.