The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to focus on tackling corruption and economic crimes rather than what it described as the unnecessary harassment of social media activists.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, POMR expressed concern over the alleged harassment of two social media activists, Randy Peter and Mama Pee, saying the anti-graft agency should concentrate its resources on investigating and prosecuting high-profile corruption cases.
The group said that while the EFCC remains a critical institution in Nigeria’s fight against corruption, its recent attention to social media commentators and online critics was a distraction from its core mandate.
“It is precisely because the EFCC’s success is so vital to Nigeria’s survival that we must raise a constructive concern regarding the commission’s recent allocation of time, energy and resources to needless issues,” the statement said.
POMR argued that investigating online activists and critics diverts attention from more pressing challenges such as institutional corruption, oil theft and the diversion of public funds.
According to the group, every hour spent tracking social media activities is time that could be devoted to uncovering complex financial crimes that continue to undermine Nigeria’s economy and development.
The organisation also warned that actions perceived as targeting dissenting voices could erode public confidence in the EFCC and discourage citizens from supporting anti-corruption efforts.
“When citizens perceive the agency as a tool for stifling political dissent or managing public relations, that vital trust is eroded,” it stated.
POMR noted that Nigeria is facing severe economic challenges linked to corruption and financial leakages, insisting that the EFCC’s primary focus should be on combating economic sabotage, public sector embezzlement and other large-scale financial crimes.
The group therefore called on the leadership of the commission to channel its forensic, legal and investigative resources toward addressing corruption and recovering stolen public funds rather than becoming “a default arbiter for political or social score settlements.”
It maintained that a corruption-free Nigeria remains achievable if anti-graft institutions remain focused on their statutory responsibilities.
