EFCC’s Responsible Intervention in Operatives’ Lawlessness in UUTH   – THISDAYLIVE

The responsible leadership exhibited by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede in the show of shame by the operatives of the commission at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Akwa Ibom State on May 12, has shown that the leadership of the anti-graft commission does not tolerate lawlessness of its operatives.

Many EFCC operatives have resorted to impunity and lawlessness in the course of carrying out their operations, raiding students and other law-abiding Nigerians in a most brazen and violent manner at odd hours like bandits.

The latest act of impunity by the operatives was the recent invasion of the UUTH where they traumatised staff and patients and also assaulted and arrested the Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee of UUTH, Professor Eyo Ekpe and three other staff, within the hospital premises.

Media reports indicate that the operatives were investigating a  report that purportedly emanated from the hospital and was tendered by a defendant in the court.

However, instead of arresting the lawyer who tendered the document, which UUTH confirmed to be fake, the overzealous operatives invaded the hospital in a most lawless manner to assault staff and patients and dehumanise Ekpe.

It is heartwarming that Olukoyede not only condemned the acts of lawlessness of his operatives but also authorised a public apology by the commission to Professor Ekpe and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) over the incident.

The apology was in response to the outrage and strike actions by doctors in Akwa Ibom State after the invasion.

In a statement released on Monday via its official X handle, the anti-graft agency disclosed that Olukoyede directed that an apology be made to Ekpe and members of the NMA after reviewing a preliminary report on the incident.

The anti-corruption agency said a full investigation into the incident was ongoing and promised sanctions against any officer found culpable.

Apart from sanctioning the operatives, Olukoyede should ensure that the operatives of the commission must henceforth carry out their duties in a most responsible and civilised manner.