DISENGAGED Special Investigator, Evangelist Victor Uwajeh has offered insight into why the federal government relieved him of his appointment as a private investigator in its anti-corruption crusade.
The former consultant to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was disengaged last April and he has been involved in a media diatribe with the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
Evangelist Uwajeh in a press statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja claimed that his insistence on the holistic trial of individuals fingered for alleged financial sleaze, irrespective of their political persuasion was responsible for the termination of his appointment.
He alleged that the agencies of government involved in its anti-corruption drive and the office of the Attorney General of the Federation was interested in the prosecution of certain politicians who are members of the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party, the (PDP) a demand he claimed he rebuffed.
His statement read in part: “It was the procedure of the Panel to courier documents to me from Nigeria for despatch to various Agencies in the United Kingdom and worldwide. Soon after I realised that the Panel has a mindset towards certain individuals and groups by the documents it sent to me.
“Documents sent to me from Abuja to despatch to the Serious Fraud Office and Home Office, Metropolitan Police, FBI and EUROPOL had the names of the following senators: Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, Sen. Albert Bassey Akpan and Sen. Stella Adaese Oduah.”
He further claimed that his observation that trials of suspected looters should not be selective was turned down.
“This raised a red flag and as a professional, I made my complaint immediately and made my position known to Okoi Obono Obla to transmit to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
“I told him that I will not be a party to one-sided investigation to muscle in the opposition and persecute them. I made my position known that I am ready to expose corruption and recover stolen assets as a professional but will not be involved in the politics of “PULL THEM DOWN” in Nigeria. “My refusal to dance to the tune of the Government and SIPP led to my disengagement.
“After meeting in London on 18th April 2018 with some officials during the CHOGM, it was evident that I will not budge in my position not to go against the ethics of my profession by investigating only the opposition.
“As soon as they arrived in Nigeria on the 23rd April 2018 they drafted a letter to disengage me. They kept the letter and wanted me to change my mind but I refused. On the 27th April 2018, they sent me a backdated letter of disengagement dated 23rd April 2018.
“In the said letter it was alleged that I had a criminal allegation against me pending in court as the reason for my disengagement which is laughable.”
Uwajeh faulted the claim of his criminal prosecution.
“I will continue to maintain my dignity even in the face of a gang up against me.
“Nigeria can only move forward when the fight against corruption is not selective but holistic no matter whose ox is gored.”
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