Angry protesters on Friday stormed the South-South Zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Port Harcourt, commending the Commission for prosecuting a former Special Adviser to Dan Abia, ertswhile managing director of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. George Turnah.
The protesters, under the aegis of Niger Delta Volunteer Services Scheme, and Celtic Pride and Event Limited( employees of Turnah), poured encomiums on the EFCC for "its tireless efforts against corruption" and for prosecuting George Turnah, whom they accused of "inflicting pain and suffering" on them and making them to be "primary victims of corruption".
Henry Eniye Smith, coordinator of the group, called for the speedy trial of Turnah. "We humbly appeal to the trial judge, Justice Ibrahim Watilat for speedy trial against corrupt individuals(sic) to alleviate our pains and suffering for the sake of justice and our social development", he said
Some of the placards carried by the protesters read: "Enough is Enough in Niger Delta"; "Thank you EFCC”; “George Turnah must return the money that is meant for the development of the youths"; "Pay us, George Turnah”; "Celtic Pride, Pay us our Pending salary"; "Thank God for Magu” and “EFCC, help us to retrieve our seized salary from former S.A youth to NDDC.”
Smith also pressed for the confirmation of the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu. "We hereby use this medium to direct(sic) the National Assembly as a matter of urgency to duly confirm Mr. Magu as a substantive Chairman of EFCC for more effective service", he said.
The protesters were received by Mrs. Akpos Ekisowei of the Public Affairs Department on behalf of the EFCC, who promised to convey their message to the appropriate authorities.
Turnah, is standing trial before a Federal High Court sitting PortHarcourt on a 12-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering and abuse of office.
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