Yakkasai Expresses Worry over EFCC’s Action against Saraki

Iyobosa Uwugiaren

An elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakkasai, has expressed worry over the recent invitation extended to former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Saraki recently honoured an invitation by the EFCC, and was interrogated by the anti-crimes commission over alleged money laundry and other financial crimes.

However, expressing concern over EFCC’s action in a statement yesterday, Yakasai hoped that the EFCC’s move against the former Senate president is not about the forthcoming general elections in 2023.

He said: “Many people have spoken with me about this latest development on Saraki by the anti-corruption agency, and the general thinking is that this move against Saraki might have something to do with his perceived presidential ambition-that it’s about preventing or interfering with that ambition. It will be sad if this is the motivation.

“Bukola is my son from many angles, and he is a son of my late friend and political associate, Second Republic Senate Leader, Dr. Olusola Saraki. Besides, Bukola is a friend to my eldest son. For that reason, I am naturally concerned whenever his freedom and wellbeing is subjected to undue harassment.

‘’In addition, in my capacity as one of those who have committed themselves to the promotion of freedom and fundamental human rights of all citizens of our country, whether or not they are children of my friends or relatives.’’

Yakasai, who said he had spent well over 70 years fighting for those rights, hoped that the move against Saraki is not the beginning of political intimidation or harassment of perceived political opponents of the party in power.

He said he does not belong to any political party in Nigeria, adding that his reaction is born out of his commitment to the protection of the liberty of all Nigerians regardless of their rank, ethnicity, creed or political inclinations.

While believing that the current EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, is a good professional, from the way he has been conducting himself, he advised him not to allow anybody to use his agency for politics, appealing to him to stand firm, and be professional in the conduct of his duties.

Yakasai also appealed to politicians and the present government to let the security agencies do their duties free from undue interference, and ensure that one does not use them to settle political scores or persecute their political opponents.

The elder statesman stated that the politics of 2023 should not be used as a tool to undermine the stability of the country.