Abia ex-commissioner to EFCC: I’m tired of endless invitations

Dr. Philips Nto, former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development in Abia State, has expressed frustration over what he termed “unending harassment” by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), following a nine-year-long investigation that has yet to result in formal charges.

Nto, who currently lectures at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, has called on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to review his case file and clarify the nature of the accusations against him. He questioned why the EFCC has continued to investigate him without charging him to court since the investigation began nine years ago.

The former commissioner, who served under ex-Governor Theodore Orji from 2013 to 2015, revealed that he recently received another invitation via text message from the EFCC, giving him less than a day to report to their Abuja office to address unspecified “grey areas.”

Nto expressed frustration over the EFCC’s repeated, last-minute demands for him to travel to Abuja, particularly noting a pattern of being summoned toward the end of each year. He stated that he had requested a week to prepare and report to the EFCC’s Enugu office instead, but his request was denied, with the EFCC officer threatening him with arrest.

The former finance commissioner challenged the EFCC to either charge him to court if there is a case or conclude the investigation. He emphasized his willingness to defend himself in court, asserting that his record as finance commissioner is clean.

Dr. Nto voiced concerns over his safety, accusing the EFCC of unnecessarily threatening his life despite his compliance with their invitations for nearly a decade. He pointed out that his residence is known, and as a law-abiding citizen, he has always responded to their summons.

“I am a lecturer at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. My house is not hidden. I have always responded to their invitations. I don’t see the urgency in giving me less than a day to travel to Abuja from Umuahia,” Nto lamented.

He urged EFCC Chairman Ola Olukayode to address the conduct of his officers to prevent further tarnishing of his image, calling for adherence to the rule of law in the commission’s operations.

“The current military-style of operation is antithetical to democratic ethos,” Dr. Nto concluded, urging the EFCC to uphold due process.