I am tired of the endless invitations after nine years, ex-commissioner Abia tells EFCC

The former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Abia State, Dr. Philips Nto, has expressed frustration over what he called “unending harassment” by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), following a nine-year investigation that is yet to are carried out. result in formal charges.

Nto, who currently teaches at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, has called on the Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice to review his file and clarify the nature of the allegations against him. He wondered why the EFCC has continued to investigate him without bringing him to justice since the investigation began nine years ago.

The former commissioner, who served under ex-Governor Theodore Orji from 2013 to 2015, disclosed that he recently received another invitation via SMS from the EFCC, giving him less than a day to report to their office in Abuja to address unspecified ‘gray areas’. ”

Nto expressed frustration over the EFCC’s repeated last-minute demands for him to travel to Abuja, particularly noting that he was drafted towards the end of every year. He stated that he requested a week to prepare and report to the Enugu office of the EFCC but his request was rejected and the EFCC officer threatened him with arrest.

The former Commissioner for Finance challenged the EFCC to take him to court if there was a case or conclude its investigation. He emphasized his willingness to defend himself in court and claimed that his record as Finance Commissioner is clean.

Nto expressed concern for his safety and accused the EFCC of unnecessarily threatening his life despite having complied with their invitations for almost a decade. He pointed out that his place of residence is known, and as a law-abiding citizen, he has always responded to their call.

He urged the Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukayode, to address the conduct of his officers to avoid further tarnishing of his image, calling for adherence to the rule of law in the activities of the commission.

“The current military style of operation is contrary to the democratic ethos,” he said.