EFCC takes action against vote buying, deploys operatives to states
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has deployed its operatives across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory ahead of Saturday’s general elections to fight vote-buying.
Apart from the teams deployed across the country, the anti-graft agency has also released incidents reporting hotlines for the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.
Wilson Uwujaren, EFCC head of Media and Publicity made the announcement in a statement on Wednesday that said the action was made in an effort to preserve the integrity of the February 25, 2023, Presidential and National Assembly elections.
Uwujaren said the executive chairman of the Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, gave the operatives instructions to consider the interests of the country and act with the utmost professionalism in carrying out their responsibilities.
“You are out on a national assignment and I expect you to conduct yourselves responsibly in line with our core values of professionalism, integrity, and courage. You have a responsibility to ensure that this election is devoid of financial malpractices, especially the inducement of voters. The attention of the world is focused on Nigeria and we must do what is necessary to ensure that we have credible, free, and fair elections”.
The Commission also urged members of the public to report any case of vote buying or selling or other evidence of financial malpractices designed to compromise the electoral outcome through these hotlines.
“Members of the public can also report anyone trying to buy or sell votes by making use of the EFCC financial crimes reporting App, Eagle Eye, which is available for download on the Google Play or Apple store.
“Additionally, the public can reach the Commission through our social media handle, @officialefcc or by email, info@efcc.gov.ng.”