Rita Odafe
The EFCC office in Lagos on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi area, is now heavily guarded by a team of armed security operatives due to an anticipated protest against the anti-corruption agency.
The surrounding area and routes to the EFCC office are manned by the Lagos State Anti-Crime Outfit – Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Department of State Services (DSS), blocking access with patrol vehicles, anti-riot trucks, and Black Marias.
The protesters, organizing under the banner #ReformEFCC, have enumerated six demands aimed at various EFCC offices nationwide, including:
- Respect for fundamental human rights.
- Cease arbitrary arrests and home invasions.
- End property destruction under sting operations.
- Stop profiling young Nigerians.
- Desist from assaulting and manhandling Nigerians.
Earlier, the EFCC had cautioned against any disruption of peace and alerted about a former governor and two ex-ministers allegedly linked to the planned protests.
Contrary to the EFCC’s assertion, a Twitter user, @PidomNigeria, emphasized that the protest is not politically motivated but solely focused on advocating for EFCC reforms to enhance its effectiveness.
The Twitter user stated, “This protest under #ReformEFCC today is not politically funded and holds no political agenda.
“It is a grassroots peaceful demonstration dedicated to prompting EFCC reform for improved performance. Individuals introducing political elements like calling for Tinubu’s removal or End APC at the protest sites will be turned over to the authorities by the protestors.”
