Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to refocus its efforts on combating corruption within the government rather than pursuing cases of minor offenses like currency abuse.
Speaking on an Arise TV program on Wednesday, June 12, Obi emphasized that issues such as budget padding, undisclosed subsidy payments, and inflated contracts demand urgent attention from the anti-corruption agency. He criticized the EFCC’s recent actions, including the detention of public figures like cross-dresser Idris Okuneye (Bobrisky) and socialite Pascal Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest) for offenses he deemed as insignificant in comparison to systemic corruption by political officeholders.
Bobrisky had recently faced a six-month conviction for allegedly mutilating the naira during a public event, while Cubana Chief Priest awaits a court hearing on similar charges in Lagos State.
“If it is not budget padding today, it would be undisclosed subsidy payments, inflated contracts, and all sorts of things,” Obi asserted. “Our agencies should focus on tackling these issues, not arresting individuals like Bobrisky and Cubana Chief Priest over minor infractions.”
Obi also used his Democracy Day statement to call for a commitment to democratic principles, urging both citizens and leaders to uphold the rule of law and accountability.
“As our nation marks Democracy Day, commemorating 25 years of democratic governance, the fundamental question remains: Are we truly democratic?” Obi wrote.