The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has vowed to pursue corruption cases without fear or favour, stating clearly that no politician or high-profile individual will be shielded because of party affiliation.

Mr. Ola Olukoyede, the EFCC Chairman, made this declaration on Thursday in Abuja during a media briefing to mark his second year in office.

Speaking through the Director of Legal and Prosecution, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir, the chairman stressed that the anti-graft agency would not protect any politician who defected to the ruling party and would not compromise its mandate in handling corruption-related cases, emphasizing the EFCC remained impartial in all its operations.

Tahir was responding directly to allegations that the EFCC was shielding politicians who switched allegiance to the ruling party to evade investigation or prosecution.

He firmly denied the claim, stating: “It is alleged that politicians who joined the ruling party are being shielded by the commission. The simple answer is that it’s not true.”

He further explained that the reference being made to the case of a former Delta State governor and others was misplaced, clarifying that investigations were still ongoing.

Tahir assured the public: “To the best of my knowledge, that case is still under investigation, and in due course, justice will be served. No one is shielded because of party affiliation.”

Tahir urged patience in the handling of high-profile cases, noting that thorough investigations take time but yield stronger results when presented in court.

He reassured Nigerians of the commission’s integrity, adding: “If we are patient and do diligent work, Nigerians will see the quality of our cases. There is no intent anywhere to protect anyone who switches parties.”

In addition to the issue of political bias, the EFCC chairman refuted allegations that the agency deducted a percentage from recovered funds without legislative approval.

He described the claim as false, saying the President of the Senate had already clarified that the Proceeds of Crime Act did not authorize the EFCC to make such deductions.

Tahir explained the statutory procedure: “POCA stipulates that only the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria can make statutory deductions, following due legislative procedures.”

He emphasized that the EFCC operates strictly within the law and does not engage in any unauthorized financial deductions or appropriations, concluding: “EFCC does not have the authority to make statutory deductions and has never done so. We act only in accordance with the law and due process.”