EFCC lacks power to investigate Rivers – Wike – TheNigerialawyer

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated that the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has no powers to
investigate the financial transactions of the state government.

Wike said that before EFCC could investigate Rivers government,
it must first vacate the Federal High Court judgement that declared
that it could not investigate the financial transactions of the
state.

He spoke during a courtesy visit by the Group Managing Director
Designate of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu.

He said: “EFCC has no powers to look into our financial
transactions. You cannot be giving our financial transactions to
the EFCC, because that is illegal.

“Unless the EFCC sets aside the judgement, they have no powers
to look into our financial transactions. Not that we are afraid,
but due process must be followed,” the governor stated.

He said that if Zenith Bank refuses to obey the court judgement,
Rivers government would be compelled to file the necessary
processes to ensure the right thing is done.

The governor commended Zenith Bank for supporting projects
execution in the state through facilities, saying that the state
government would complete the payment of loans acquired by May
ending.

“You have supported the state in terms of infrastructure. You
have also supported us for our inauguration,” he said.

He, however, urged the management of Zenith Bank to consummate
the long relationship with the state government by ensuring that
Rivers people grow in the bank.

Governor Wike congratulated Onyeagwu on his appointment, as the
Group Managing Director Designate of the Zenith Bank, saying that
his appointment was due to commitment and hardwork.

“Since 1999, this relationship has been there and it will be
there. Try to ensure that Rivers people grow in the bank,” he
said.

Earlier, Onyeagwu congratulated Governor Wike on his
re-election.

“Everyone of us in Zenith Bank is very pleased with the success
you have recorded. We also want to use this opportunity to
congratulate you on your victory in the last election and wish for
a glorious second term,” he said.

Onyeagwu said that Zenith Bank prays for Governor Wike to make
greater progress during his second term. He said that he was in
Rivers State to inform the governor that he would take over the
leadership of the bank on June 1, 2019.

“Zenith Bank and Rivers State have been in partnership for over
20 years. We want to assure you that at this moment, our
expectation is that this partnership will get even bigger and
stronger.

“We want to assure you of our utmost loyalty and support for the
ideas and aspirations of your government. It’s our pleasure that
Zenith Bank is willing to support the various development
initiatives of your government.

“At this second half, going by your disposition, going by your
perspective that we know, our expectation is that it will even be
raised higher. Even as the tempo is raised higher, the support of
Zenith Bank will remain consistent,” Onyeagwu assured.

Subscribe ToNairalaw News!