A political pressure group, Abia Solidarity Forum(ASF), has raised concerns over what it described as an alleged plot to drag business executive and Labour Party aspirant for Bende Federal Constituency, Hon. Chima Anyaso, into politically motivated fraud allegations through the alleged misuse of government institutions.
Those institutions, according to the group, are the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other public agencies.
Addressing journalists yesterday, the ASF’s spokesperson, Chijioke Okwuoha, alleged that the organisation had received credible intelligence suggesting that certain political interests were preparing coordinated petitions and media campaigns designed to portray Hon. Anyaso as being under investigation for financial crimes ahead of political activities in the constituency.
According to the group, the alleged plan is intended to distract the businessman and philanthropist while creating a negative public perception capable of influencing political opinions.
“We have received credible information, which we presently treat as allegations, indicating that there are plans to misuse the credible names, processes and statutory powers of respected government institutions, including the EFCC, the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS and other public agencies, for political purposes through unfounded allegations. If these claims prove to be true, such actions would constitute an abuse of democratic institutions and undermine public confidence in agencies established to uphold justice, security and the fight against corruption,” the spokesperson said.
