Nigeria’s Presidency has reiterated that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to his anti-corruption stance, confirming that he will not interfere with the operations of independent agencies tasked with investigating corruption allegations. The clarification comes in the wake of public attention on Farouk Ahmed, the former NMDPRA chief, who resigned following accusations of misconduct raised by Dangote Group chairman Aliko Dangote. The Presidency emphasized that while allegations may generate public concern, due process and the autonomy of investigative institutions must be respected.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, speaking on X, explained that ICPC and EFCC are autonomous institutions, capable of independently carrying out their investigative and prosecutorial responsibilities. He stressed that the government and the President will not dictate their actions, reinforcing the principle that these agencies operate free from political interference. “The ball is now in their courts to carry out their mandates,” Onanuga stated, highlighting that the agencies alone determine how to proceed with ongoing or potential investigations.
Presidency explains agency independence
Onanuga’s remarks were issued amid growing public criticism over the apparent absence of arrests, formal investigations, or prosecutions following Ahmed’s resignation. Critics argued that a lack of visible enforcement could signal a compromise in the government’s anti-corruption efforts. One concerned X user, @OurFavOnlineDoc, questioned the apparent inaction, writing: “No prosecution. No arrest. No investigation. No proper accountability. Just allegation of stealing public funds, followed by a quiet resignation, and everybody can move on. This is not how to build a sane country with trust, integrity, and respect before the world. What a shame.”
Responding to these criticisms, Onanuga emphasized that such reactions reflect a misunderstanding of the institutional framework governing anti-corruption agencies. He clarified: “This is how we get things wrong through uninformed criticism. ICPC and EFCC are autonomous institutions. The ball is now in their courts to carry out their mandates. Mr President will not tell them what to do.”
Onanuga further highlighted that President Tinubu’s commitment to fighting corruption includes respecting due process and ensuring that investigative procedures are conducted fairly and independently. “The President cannot dictate how the EFCC or ICPC handle such matters,” he added, underscoring that institutional independence is a core tenet of the administration’s anti-corruption strategy.
The spokesman reiterated that the responsibility to investigate or prosecute any wrongdoing now lies squarely with the EFCC and ICPC, emphasizing that political interference is neither required nor appropriate. By allowing the agencies to operate independently, the Presidency aims to ensure that investigations are credible, transparent, and aligned with legal standards, reinforcing public trust in Nigeria’s anti-corruption mechanisms. Onanuga concluded by reiterating, “Mr President will not tell them what to do,” signaling a clear stance that the autonomy of these agencies will be fully respected in all matters related to corruption allegations.