The Federal Government has dismissed allegations that it is weaponising anti-corruption agencies to suppress political opposition, insisting that such claims are unfounded.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Wednesday during the opening of the ICPC Roundtable Engagement on Agenda Setting for Strategic Integration of State Commissioners of Information in the Fight Against Corruption, held in Abuja.
According to Idris, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has adopted a strict policy of non-interference in the operations of anti-graft institutions such as the ICPC (Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission) and the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission).
He emphasized that the Tinubu government is committed to strengthening Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework, noting that:
“Fighting corruption is indeed one of the 8-Point priorities of the Tinubu administration, and that is why the President is strengthening the institutional framework to fight corruption, especially through the ICPC and the EFCC. By its policy of non-interference, the Tinubu administration has made it clear that anti-corruption agencies are not instruments of political witch-hunt. They operate with independence and professionalism in line with the rule of law.”
Idris also revealed that the President is implementing judicial reforms aimed at reducing unnecessary delays in corruption-related cases, ensuring that justice is neither denied nor indefinitely deferred.
He further stressed the importance of transparency and accountability as pillars of democracy, urging state governments and commissioners of information to set aside political rivalries and align with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Irrespective of political affiliation, I implore all Honourable Commissioners to identify with the massive opportunities inherent in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, who is relentless in reshaping our economy to address years of neglect and achieve inclusion, diversification, growth, and steady development,” Idris said.
The minister noted that the engagement’s theme — “Partnership for Strengthening Transparency and Accountability at State and Local Government Levels Through Strategic Communications” — highlights the crucial role of state information commissioners in communicating anti-corruption efforts across society.
