Peter Obi slammed the EFCC's priorities, calling for probes into alleged budget padding and undisclosed subsidy payments rather than arresting celebrities.
Nigerian opposition leader Peter Obi has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to shift its focus from celebrity cases to investigating alleged high-level financial crimes. Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party, criticized the anti-graft agency for arresting social media influencer Bobrisky over alleged abuse of naira notes.
"These are minor issues. Our agencies should face budget padding squarely, not arresting Bobrisky because he dressed like a woman and spent N500 notes," Obi stated in a television interview. He argued that the EFCC's priorities should lie in probing claims of budget manipulation, undisclosed fuel subsidy payments, inflated contracts, and other major alleged economic crimes.
Obi's comments come amid criticism over the EFCC's recent crackdown targeting celebrities like Bobrisky for violating laws against abusing the national currency. While such actions sparked public debate, the former presidential candidate believes the agency is overlooking more consequential financial irregularities.
His remarks reference unresolved allegations that federal budget figures were altered, with claims the 2024 budget signed by President Bola Tinubu differed from what was approved by the National Assembly. There have also been contradicting statements about whether fuel subsidy payments were fully discontinued as announced.
The EFCC has not directly responded to Obi's criticism. However, the agency has previously defended its mandate to enforce all relevant financial crimes, regardless of profile.
