Oba of Benin Tasks EFCC on Thorough Investigation before Clamping Down on Suspects

By Adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city

The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has advised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to always carry out thorough investigate on matters before clamping down on anyone.

The Oba of Benin, who gave the advice when he received the Benin zonal head of EFCC, Mailafia Yakubu, in his palace at the weekend, also warned against the use of the outfit as an agent of intimidation and witch hunting.

Oba Ewuare II also harped on the need for the anti-graft officials not to be partisan or allow anyone to use them to carry out vendetta against any person, pointing out that the body was established to help check corrupt practices among the people in public and private lives.

He told the Benin zonal head of the commission that people want to see corrupt Nigerians prosecuted and convicted to serve as deterrent to others, adding that if EFCC is able to correct the bad practice, it would be better for the country and her people socially, economically and politically.

Earlier, Yakubu said they were

in the palace to introduce their team and inform the Benin monarch about the opening of a zonal office in Benin-city with a view of commencing operations in the zone comprising Edo, Delta, Anambra and Ondo States.

Acknowledging the power, strength and influence of the Oba, Yakubu requested for royal blessing to enable them succeed in their duties.

In a related development, Oba Ewuare II, also charged the chairman and members of the Edo State Task Force on the Enforcement of Private Property Law, otherwise known as anti-Community Development Association (CDA) to be diligent and upright in the discharge of their duties.

The Oba gave the charge when the Chairman of the Task Force, retired Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Solomon Arase-led other members of the committee on a courtesy visit to the palace of the Benin Monarch.

He expressed hope that the committee would succeed, as every member of the task force were carefully selected based on their past records and antecedents, the Oba thanked them for accepting to serve which according to him, “was borne out of respect and love for their people, and urged them to do everything possible to bring back the lost glories of Benin kingdom in particular and Edo State in general.