Tough Talk from PDP Chieftain Segun Showunmi: Time for EFCC to Address Abuse of Office instead of Fraud
Public Officials Should Face Charges for Misuse of Power Rather Than Fraudulent Practices - Segun Showunmi
Segun Showunmi, a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship hopeful in Ogun State, boldly advocates a shift in focus for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He suggests the EFCC should probe political office holders for abuse of office instead of fraud.
Addressing reporters in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, Showunmi explained that proving abuse of office is easier, serving as a powerful deterrent for future officials. He argued that Nigerian leaders rarely experience jail time or complete their convictions due to the EFCC's methods.
"Why not incarcerate them for abuse of office? Abuse of office is easier to prove, so packing them in prisons by the dozen for ten years might deter the next set of tyrants," suggested Showunmi.
He lamented the widespread culture of shirking responsibilities among leaders, emphasizing the need for commensurate consequences to deter such behavior.
"The real reason we need so many laws, prompting the creation of institutions like the EFCC and ICPC, and relying on the Nigerian Police, stems from our citizens' poor culture of doing the right thing," he explained. "Why do we see the pervasive culture of doing wrong? Because those in power rarely face the punishment they deserve."
Showunmi compared the dire consequences officials in China face for similar transgressions to the lax punishment typically doled out in Nigeria.
"Can a Nigerian governor amass as much wealth as those caught in China? Can a mayor here drive a Rolls Royce without facing severe consequences, let alone losses as severe as having their head chopped off?" posed Showunmi. "Even then, a Rolls Royce or luxury lifestyle seems out of reach for a public servant."
Lest we forget, the EFCC has recently declared two suspects wanted over the CBEX Crypto Fraud. Emefiele, the former CBN governor, has also faced fresh corruption charges. Naira abuse cases and attempts to launder money remain common occurrences in Nigeria. For example, Murja Kunya, a TikToker from Kano, recently landed six months in prison for such offenses.
In a separate development, Emefiele appealed a final forfeiture order of 753 housing units in an Abuja estate. The EFCC also uncovered sophisticated cyber attacks on Nigerian banks. Emefiele's former aide revealed the delivery of $400,000 cash to the former CBN governor.
As we navigate these challenging times, it's essential to hold our leaders accountable for their actions. The EFCC plays a vital role in combating financial crimes, and shifting the focus to abuse of office could be a powerful step towards stemming the tide of corruption in Nigeria.
- Advocating a shift in focus, Segun Showunmi, a former PDP governorship hopeful, urged the EFCC to probe political office holders for abuse of office, suggesting that incarceration for such offenses would serve as a powerful deterrent.
- Speaking in Abeokuta, Showunmi criticized the widespread culture of shirking responsibilities among leaders, arguing that commensurate consequences are needed to deter such behavior.
- Comparing the consequences officials face in China for similar transgressions, Showunmi questioned if Nigerian leaders can amass wealth like those caught in China or drive luxury cars without facing severe consequences.
- In a separate development, Emefiele, the former CBN governor, faced fresh corruption charges, while the EFCC uncovered sophisticated cyber attacks on Nigerian banks and a former aide revealed the delivery of $400,000 cash to Emefiele.
- As general-news reports illuminate instances of Naira abuse and money laundering, it is vital to hold our leaders accountable for their actions and to consider policies and legislations aimed at combating corruption and enforcing commensurate consequences for abuse of office in Nigeria.
