Immunity clause does not protect governors, President from being probe – EFCC tells Fayose

Hamilton Nwosa
Writer
new-diplomat default image
new-diplomat default image

Ad

FG gives contractors December 20 payoff deadline as Umahi unveils tough transparency push

By Obinna Uballa The Federal Government on Thursday moved to ease mounting tensions among road contractors, announcing that all verified outstanding payments will be cleared on or before December 20, 2025. The assurance follows days of protests in Abuja over stalled payments, crippling debts and delayed project financing. The New Diplomat had reported that the…

Rivers Political Earthquake: Speaker, 15 Lawmakers Dump PDP for APC

By Obinna Uballa Rivers State was thrown into fresh political turmoil on Friday as Speaker of the House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and 15 other lawmakers formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress. Amaewhule announced the mass defection during plenary, declaring that the lawmakers were leaving the PDP due to…

LCCI elects Leye Kupoluyi as 44th president, pledges stronger Advocacy for businesses

By Obinna Uballa The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has elected Engr. Leye Kupoluyi as its 44th President and Chairman of Council, succeeding Gabriel Idahosa after the completion of his tenure. Kupoluyi, an accomplished engineer and former Deputy President of the Chamber, was confirmed in office during the LCCI’s 137th Annual General Meeting…

Ad

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday said Governor Ayodele Fayose has no reason to complain about the commission’s decision to freeze his account with Zenith Bank.

Mr. Fayose had on Monday accused the EFCC of acting illegally since he enjoys constitutionally-guaranteed immunity from prosecution, as a siting governor.

“Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution gives me immunity just like the president. I wouldn’t know why these people are intolerant of others and in a haste,” the governor said in Ado Ekiti. ““Let them wait till 2018 when I will end my tenure for them to do their investigation.”

But the EFCC’s spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, said the anti-graft body acted according to the law.

He was speaking on Tuesday while featuring on a phone-in programme, “Gentlemen of the Press”, on Sweet FM, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Mr. Uwujaren said the immunity clause does not protect the governors and the president from being investigated.

“I don’t see any reason why this should generate any argument or uproar. The president, governors can be investigated while in office, particularly if an account is suspected,” he said.‎

Ad

X whatsapp