The National Interest Coalition (NICO) has sounded a warning about an alleged elaborate scheme orchestrated by certain high-ranking government officials facing legal challenges. This plot, they claim, aims to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s vigorous efcc-declares-haske-wanted-lawyer-questions/” title=”Lawyer Questions …'s Move to Declare Haske Wanted: What's Really Behind the Decision?”>anti-corruption campaign and destabilize the leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the coalition, this conspiracy is reportedly funded with ₦5 billion and seeks to discredit EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede while tarnishing the integrity of the Tinubu administration‘s efforts against corruption.
Speaking at a press conference and solidarity rally held in Abuja on Monday, NICO’s spokesperson, Comrade Bashir Abdu, revealed that the masterminds behind this scheme are individuals entangled in corruption investigations who are desperate to evade accountability.
Abdu explained that these actors have misappropriated public resources to finance a smear campaign targeting both the EFCC leadership and President Tinubu. He further alleged that covert meetings have been held with dissenting figures, and hostile media narratives are being bankrolled through offshore accounts based in Dubai.
“Their goal is to distract the public from ongoing probes that have unveiled their illicit activities. They are funneling billions of naira to certain journalists to defame the President and the EFCC leadership. The objective is clear: to weaken the anti-corruption crusade and destabilize the government,” Abdu asserted.
He also disclosed that NICO was approached with a ₦100 million bribe to participate in this scheme but firmly declined, emphasizing the importance of preserving the momentum of the anti-corruption fight.
The solidarity march in Abuja attracted thousands of Nigerians who vocally expressed their support for President Tinubu’s administration and reaffirmed their confidence in the EFCC chairman.
NICO highlighted several key reforms and successes achieved under the current administration and EFCC leadership. These include empowering anti-corruption bodies with unrestricted authority to prosecute offenders, plugging financial leakages through the Treasury Single Account (TSA), enhancing the criminal justice system, recovering billions in stolen assets, and securing numerous convictions.
“These attacks are not merely aimed at Mr. Olukoyede or the EFCC; they represent a direct assault on President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the future of Nigeria’s youth, and the aspirations of millions who desire a government that serves the people rather than corrupt elites,” the coalition stated.
The group urged President Tinubu to remain resolute and undeterred, cautioning that corruption networks are mounting a counteroffensive through coordinated media blitzes, misinformation, and attempts to portray the anti-corruption campaign as biased.
They called upon civil society organizations, labor unions, student bodies, religious groups, and patriotic Nigerians both domestically and abroad to stand firm against what they described as a “malicious plot” and to safeguard the nation’s anti-corruption institutions.
“Nigeria belongs to over 200 million citizens, not a select few corrupt individuals hiding behind propaganda. Let the world hear our voice: We support President Tinubu. We back the EFCC. We stand with Olanipekun Olukoyede. And we champion justice,” NICO declared.
