Former SGF Pius Anyim Speaks On EFCC Arrest

• Former SGF Pius Anyim has spoken about his arrest by the EFCC.

 

EKOHOTBLOG reports that former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, has narrated his recent encounter with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following reports that his supposed invitation was “part of an investigation in a case of alleged corruption and diversion of public funds.”

 

This online news platform had reported that a senior official of the EFCC, last Sunday, disclosed that Anyim was invited as part of an investigation in a case of alleged corruption and diversion of public funds.

 

The source revealed that the former SGF, who arrived at the headquarters of the anti-graft agency in Jabi, Abuja at about 3pm on Sunday, was grilled by a team of operatives.

A source familiar with the case had further disclosed that the development was tied to the corruption and money laundering case involving a former Minister of Aviation and serving senator, Senator Stella Oduah.

EKOHOTBLOG reported that part of the rehabilitation funds to the tune of N780 million were allegedly traced to a company in which Senator Anyim has an interest.

However, Senator Anyim, while reacting via a statement by his Media Adviser, Sam Nwaobasi, said the EFCC never invited the former SGF, rather he went there himself when he got information that someone under investigation mentioned his name.

Anyim added that to his surprise, after his engagement with EFCC operatives, he was not allowed to return home.

According to the statement, the former SGF had been inundated with inquiries from friends, associates, PDP faithful and the general public.

These were with regard to media reports that he was invited and detained “as part of an investigation in a case of alleged corruption and diversion of public funds.”

“It has, therefore, become necessary to put the records straight on what went on between Sunday, 24, to Tuesday, 26 of October.

“Senator Anyim got information that some person invited by the EFCC in connection with some matter it was investigating mentioned his name in the statement made to the EFCC.

“Determined, as always, to ensure that the truth prevails, Senator Anyim reached out to the officer handling the matter and offered, on his own volition, to come over to the EFCC to clarify any issues around which his name was mentioned.

“The officer was delighted and they agreed to meet in his office at the EFCC by 3p.m., on Sunday, October 24. At the agreed time Senator Anyim arrived at the EFCC office. He was never invited by the EFCC.

 

“After his engagement, during which Senator Anyim was as candid as could be, to his utter surprise he was told he would not be going home that day.

“By the next day the EFCC gave the conditions for his release, which were met promptly.

“It took up to Tuesday, 26, for EFCC to complete their processes after which he was allowed to go home.

READ ALSO: BREAKING: EFCC Arrests Former SGF, Pius Anyim

“Senator Anyim, as a law-abiding citizen, will always submit himself to any process required by any agency of the government in the discharge of its duties.

“Senator Anyim, though not disturbed or worried by his encounter with the EFCC, after all he went to their office by himself, has however noted some reports in some social media platforms that deliberately distorted the facts just to call his integrity to question.

“Senator Anyim remains steadfast in his commitment to join hands with men and women of goodwill to unite, heal and advance the cause of our dear country Nigeria.

“He will continue to offer himself and services to the pursuit of same, notwithstanding the blackmail, falsehood, misinformation and misrepresentation that some opportunists will seek to make out of such episodes like his recent encounter with the EFCC.

“Senator Anyim is very humbled and touched by the spontaneous responses and concern shown by his numerous friends, associates, supporters, especially PDP faithful and the general public.

“He believes that together we shall all build a better Nigeria,” Nwaobasi stated.

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