The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, has cautioned politicians against misuse of public funds for the forthcoming general elections.
Magu gave the warning in a statement signed by the commission’s Acting Head, Media and Publicity Tony Orilade in Abuja on Wednesday.
The statement quoted Magu as having given the warning at one-day retreat for 36 state governors and key election stakeholders.
Represented by the commission’s secretary Olanipekun Olukoyede, Magu said that as another election cycle approached, the EFCC would not fold its hands and watch the nation’s commonwealth squandered by corrupt politicians.
The retreat which has as its theme as: “Institutionalising Transparency, Accountability, And Anti-Corruption Issues in the Electoral Process in Nigeria”, was organised by the Centre for Values in Leadership.
He said EFCC would keenly monitor the financial affairs of political parties to ensure that the use of public funds to finance and prosecute their campaigns was checked.
He gave assurance that henceforth, donations to political parties and the identities of the donors would be of interest to the commission.
He said: “To minimise corruption and the use of public funds to fund political parties and finance elections, there is need for greater effectiveness.
“In enforcing the provisions of the various electoral laws in Nigeria especially as they relate to penalties upon breach of their provisions.
“Political parties should be required to keep proper records of all incomes, contributions and expenditure, and to open their books for inspection by relevant security agencies after every electioneering cycle.”
Earlier, Rasheed Adegbenro, Senior Vice President, Centre for Values in Leadership said the forum was to sensitise the electorate to the 2019 general elections.
He said: “The preparation for this forum began in Lagos on September 15, when CVL organised a seven-kilometre road walk tagged “Walk The Talk”.
“It was to sensitise the electorate to the coming elections and to also encourage them to collect their PVCs having previously registered.
Also speaking, the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, who was represented by CP Kenneth Ebrimson, said police would ensure a credible 2019 elections.
He said: “The police play a very vital role in any election process. The NiSet featured imagegeria Police Force is ready to ensure that there is free, fair and credible 2019 general elections.”
2019: Magu cautions politicians against misuse of public funds
