By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Olufemi Iroko, Segun Onilude, Joseph Gbenu Samson Olatunde |
BADAGRY, LAGOS – Prominent Badagry activist and advocate for transparency, Mr. Olufemi Iroko, has publicly distanced himself from the ongoing Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigation into the past and present chairmen of Badagry Local Government and its Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
This clarification comes amid a whirlwind of pleas from associates of the accused officials, who mistakenly believed Iroko was behind the anti-graft agency's summons.
In an exclusive conversation with News Peddlers, Iroko revealed that he has been inundated with calls from intermediaries begging him to withdraw a petition he did not file.
“I have received several calls in the last one week from different people close to the former chairmen. pleading that I withdraw my EFCC petition against the chairmen as they have been invited and are being interrogated,” Iroko stated. He used the opportunity to set the record straight, urging the petitioners to direct their appeals elsewhere.
The activist issued a firm and unambiguous denial of his involvement in the specific petition currently under EFCC scrutiny. “I want to categorically state that this ongoing petition, as at this material time, does not emanate from me. You can request to know your petitioner and send your people to beg him/her,” he declared.
However, Iroko hinted that his own fight for accountability is far from over, noting, “As a strategist, there are some cards you play at specific times. But that is not to say I'm not still going to file my own petition.”
Far from being disappointed, Iroko expressed admiration for the unknown whistleblower, suggesting they had taken even bolder action than he had planned. He commended them for expanding the scope of the inquiry to include civil servants within the council administration.
"Every leader must know that they have been entrusted with the people's wealth and must be ready to account for every revenue that comes into the coffers of the government, especially the third tier-Local Government that has experienced a significant boost in allocation from the Federal Government. Let this also serve as a clarion call to all citizens to hold their leaders accountable. Where there is no accountability, there will be no development," he said.
“The fact that I raised it is not enough to take the glory of other persons who have also reasoned with me that there is a need for accountability... We know what the council is collecting and we expect that the rate of development should be commensurate,” he argued, highlighting the core issue of mismatched revenue and visible development.
In a concluding message that blended commendation with a stark warning to those in the crosshairs of the EFCC, Iroko applauded the petitioners and offered well-wishes of a pointed variety. “May I use this opportunity to commend the people who instituted this particular petition and wish the parties concerned the best as they defend and explain to EFCC what they could not account to us,” he said. Signing off with a tone of unwavering resolve, he added, “The waka waka just started. Sorry for your sleepless nights and weight loss. Wish you the best.”