The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,(EFCC) has advised citizens including the media, to closely scrutinise all business relationships now,and after the elections, so as not to run foul of money laundering law.
The EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa disclosed this during a sensitization programme hosted by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in Abuja on Monday.
Represented by Osita Nwajah, the EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Bawa said that Nigerians expect more this year especially when it comes to matters regarding the elections.
He said “The Message EFCC therefore is to be weary, please closely scrutinise all business relationships now,and after the elections, so as not to run about from the commissions for the money laundering crime and then come under the scrutiny of the EFCC special control unit against money laundering.
“Having given that advice, let me just remind you that there is a very heavy burden of expectation that the National Broadcasting commission shares.
“Nigerians expect more than ever, especially when it comes to the elections, with the broadcasting code, which establishes the irreducible minimum professional compliance threshold for protesters,codes as gatherings for professional ethical conduct on feature one, the courts are the broadcast industry as far as we know.
“They’re not condoning illegal manipulation or the proposed corruption of the system. Therefore, the challenge for all of us in this election cycle is how to compose with the identify function.” he said.
Osita stressed that the EFCC will actively engage in the issues of election campaign funding to guide against those using money as a means of corruption to manipulate the electoral process and determine electoral outcomes.
“Those who have been using money and other means of corruption to compromise, even manipulate the electoral process and determine their election outcomes.
“The EFCC is actively engaged in the issue of election campaign funding to financial and non financial institutions, as captured under the money laundering prohibition and Prevention Act 120 22. And also using the instrument of order extant laws to take action on election day itself.”
Bawa therefore promised to money bags who would want to corrupt the eel total process in the coming 2023 general elections.
The NBC Chairman, Balarabe Shehu Ilelah on his part enjoins the media to strictly adhere to all rules governing the elections otherwise face the consequences of their action.
He said “As we commence campaigning this month, the instrument that will guide the broadcast media is the NBC act 2004. The Nigerian broadcasting code, the electoral act 2022 and other extant laws of our dear country.”
He also “Enjoins broadcasters to give equal access and opportunities to all political players, registered political parties and candidates. This is in addition to ensuring equity in airtime allocation and coverage of political parties activities, particularly during prime time. It is also a time for you to make money from political adverts and campaigns but ensure that this is done within the ambit of the law.
“Broadcasters are also to handle all political matters with care and professionalism. This is in addition to studio based live broadcast, interviews and advert.”
He also reminded them that the broadcast stations are held responsible for any impunity, saying ” The station shall therefore assume and accept responsibility.
“I also use this opportunity to remind broadcasters not to allow any form of hate speech, fake news, derogatory or divisive remarks and any incendiary broadcast on their platforms, NBC is not going to take it likely with any situation; if you want to remain until the end of the election, you must make sure that you operate within the law and if you want end your broadcast before the end of the election, you can go ahead and break the law. NBC will not fold its arms to see things are done in a wrong way.”
He also urged the broadcasters to “familiarise yourself with provisions of the electoral act 2022, which empowers the electoral umpire to prosecute presenters, principal officers, media house owners and the person that contravene the electoral act and if find wanting can be fine millions of naira or imprisoned.In view of this I employ you to trade with caution as the commission will ensure strict adherence to all extent law of this country.” he added.
