The federal government has rejected claims that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is using anti-corruption agencies to target political opponents, describing such allegations as unfounded.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris made this clarification during the opening ceremony of an ICPC roundtable engagement in Abuja on Wednesday, emphasizing that anti-graft institutions operate independently under the current administration.
“The Tinubu administration has made it clear that anti-corruption agencies are not instruments of political witch-hunt. They operate with independence and professionalism in line with the rule of law,” Idris stated at the event focused on strategic integration of state information commissioners in corruption prevention efforts.
The minister highlighted that combating corruption ranks among the eight key priorities of the Tinubu government, which has been strengthening institutional frameworks through agencies like the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Despite assuring non-interference in anti-graft operations, Idris reinforced the president’s commitment to eliminating corruption, stating there would be “no haven for corruption in Nigeria.” He noted that the administration is implementing comprehensive judicial reforms aimed at preventing unnecessary delays in corruption trials to ensure swift justice delivery.
The roundtable, themed “Partnership for Strengthening Transparency and Accountability at State and Local Government Levels Through Strategic Communications,” brought together state information commissioners from across the country. Idris emphasized their crucial role in disseminating anti-corruption messages to various levels of Nigerian society.
The minister described transparency and accountability as fundamental pillars of democracy and core principles of President Tinubu’s administration. He called on state governments to transcend political differences and embrace opportunities within the president’s policy agenda.
“Irrespective of the political party you belong to, it is important you identify with the massive opportunities inherent in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu,” Idris told the commissioners, noting the administration’s efforts to reshape Nigeria’s economy after years of neglect while promoting inclusion, diversification, and sustainable development.