Reason Public Trust is Broken in Anti-graft War, by Expert
By Gabriel Ewepu
Source: Vanguard
Is the Nigerian government really deep in the fight against corruption, based on your assessment?
The Nigerian government has continued to express its commitment to fighting corruption, and there have been some policy-level signals and institutional actions that suggest an ongoing effort. However, depth is not only measured by arrests and investigations—it is about systemic reforms, transparency, and outcomes. So far, the intensity of the fight seems uneven, and we have not yet seen the kind of structural anti-corruption reforms—especially in procurement, asset recovery, and political finance—that would suggest deep, institutional commitment. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the EFCC has recently raised awareness around these issues, which is a very important step forward to tackle the problem.
Are there gains recorded under the Tinubu administration in the fight against corruption through the EFCC?
There have been some high-profile investigations and arrests carried out under this administration, including with politically exposed persons. This indicates a level of seriousness, though it is early days. The leadership of the current EFCC has also signaled that true gains come from institutional consistency, transparency, and broader governance reforms. We are watching closely, and while it’s too early to make definitive conclusions, the EFCC must be supported—but also held accountable—to operate independently and professionally.
What are your thoughts about those in the opposition parties, especially their leaders arrested by the EFCC for alleged corrupt practices as seen recently in the political space?
Every individual, regardless of party affiliation, should be subject to investigation if there is credible evidence of wrongdoing. However, such actions must be carried out transparently, lawfully, and without political bias.
“There are concerns in the public domain about selective prosecution, and it is not unusual for such perceptions to arise in a politically charged environment. While it may not be helpful to make blanket accusations, the EFCC must do more to demonstrate impartiality in its operations.”
If opposition figures are being investigated or arrested, the process must be transparent, evidence-based, and impartial. Otherwise, allegations of political witch-hunt may arise, undermining public trust in the fight against corruption.
Do you agree that the EFCC is into selective fight against corruption?
There are concerns in the public domain about selective prosecution, and it is not unusual for such perceptions to arise in a politically charged environment. While it may not be helpful to make blanket accusations, the EFCC must do more to demonstrate impartiality in its operations. We have consistently called for greater transparency in how cases are selected, and for the strengthening of legal frameworks that limit the discretionary powers of institutions in ways that could be misused.
What can you say about the body language of the Chairman of the EFCC, whether he is being used by the government of the day to silence the opposition?
We should focus less on body language and more on actions, outcomes, and the principles of rule of law. What’s important is whether the EFCC under the current Chairman is respecting due process, ensuring fairness, and avoiding politically motivated prosecution. As civil society, we continue to monitor these patterns. If political bias is evident in the conduct of the Commission, we will speak out—as we have done in the past. Independence is the cornerstone of credible anti-corruption work.
What is your organization, ANEEJ’s stand on the fight against corruption?
ANEEJ has consistently advocated for transparent, accountable, and system-based approach to fighting corruption. We are not here to score political points—we exist to promote policies and practices that strengthen institutions, protect public resources, and deliver development outcomes for citizens. We work closely with national and international partners on issues like capacity building on asset recovery, budget monitoring, and civic engagement, all aimed at promoting integrity and curbing corruption at all levels of society.
What is your call to EFCC in the fight against corruption as far as the justice system is concerned?
Our call to the EFCC is to remain professional, impartial and grounded in the rule of law. The Commission must collaborate more strategically with the judiciary, ensuring that cases are well prepared, evidence-based, and pursued without prejudice. The fight against corruption cannot succeed if prosecutions fail due to poor investigations or legal shortcuts. EFCC must also improve transparency in recovered assets and strengthen engagement with civil society to build public trust.
David Ugolor, an anti-corruption expert, is the Executive Director of Africa Network for Economic and Environmental Justice, ANEEJ, and a former Co-Chair of UNCAC Coalition based in Vienna, Austria.
In this interview, Ugolor speaks on the selective justice claims made against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, by some opposition politicians in Nigeria.