‘AGF Malami not involved in EFCC placing Obiano on watch list,’ says aide

Following allegation by the Anambra Sate Government that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, was behind the decision by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to place Governor Willie Obiano on the anti-graft agency’s watch list, an aide to the AGF has distance his principal from the development.

It would be recalled that an official internal correspondence went public, last Tuesday, which disclosed that the EFCC, had a letter dated November 15 and addressed to the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), asked to be informed whenever Obiano is seen attempting to travel out of the country.

However, in a statement titled; ‘MALAMI DOES NOT INTERFERE IN ACTIVITIES OF AGENCIES,’ and signed by the Malami’s spokesman, Umar Gwandu, said the AGF ‘does not interfere in the activities of the agencies and institutions of the federal government.’

This is also as Gwandu described the allegation against his boss by the advised the Anambra State Government as amounting to ‘shadow chasing, flimsy excuses and concoctions of jittery minds’ to suggest that Malami influences certain operations.

“It is important to state that the attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice neither interferes with nor dictates the operations of any of the federal government agencies/institutions that he statutorily supervises

“Such agencies have the mandate to discharge their responsibilities in compliance with the extant laws.

“To suggest that Abubakar Malami, SAN, in his personal or official capacity as attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice teleguides certain operations is tantamount to shadow chasing, flimsy excuses and concoctions of jittery minds.

“It is on the record that past and serving politically exposed persons, regardless of political inclination or party affiliation, are being invited by investigation agencies in order to bear their cross for infractions committed.

“Activities of the federal government are a pointer to the renewed vigour in the fight against corruption in all ramifications. This is done without fear or favour and devoid of any sentiment.

“The officers concerned should focus their energies and vocal dexterities in proving their innocence or blaming their actions, inactions, commissions or omissions and not the honourable attorney-general of the federation.

“It is a pity that we have such a people in the country that if they could not see the sun in the morning they will, without any justification or scientific inquiry, jump into the conclusion and claim that ‘the attorney-general of the federation hid the sun’ or ‘Malami caused disappearance of the sun to elongate the night’, the statement read.

Anambra Sate Commissioner for Information, C. Don Adinuba, had in a statement earlier on Thursday, said the issue between the governor and the EFCC is masterminded by persons in high places who “unsuccessfully canvassed for emergency rule” in the state during the build-up to the governorship election.

“The EFCC is supervised by the minister of justice and the office of the attorney-general of the federation and that is the reason why you are having all these.

“I’m sorry that it is extremely difficult to hear a favourable judgement about the conduct of the office of the attorney-general in the last four years or thereabouts.

“It is a pity that even the NBA has issued a very strong press statement on the conduct and professionalism of the people in the office of the attorney-general of the federation.

“The office of the attorney-general of the federation is actually a sacred mandate; it is a creation of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is not just any other political office.

“About two months ago, I was on this programme and I did tell you that the attempt to impose emergency rule on Anambra state was politically motivated, events have proved me right. I have been vindicated,” the commissioner said.