From Chijioke Agwu, Abakaliki
Former secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim, yesterday, narrated what transpired between him and officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja.
The former Senate president said he went to the anti-graft agency’s office on his own volition on Sunday, upon hearing that his name was mentioned by someone who was being investigated by the anti-graft agency.
He disclosed this in a statement released by his Media Adviser, Sam Nwaobasi.
“Anyim had been inundated with inquiries from friends, associates, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faithful and the public.
“These were with regards to media reports that he was invited and detained as part of an investigation in a case of alleged corruption and diversion of public funds.
“It has, therefore, become necessary to put the records straight on what went on between Sunday, October 24 to Tuesday, October 26.
“Anyim got information that some person invited by the EFCC in connection with some matter it was investigating mentioned his name in the statement made to the commission.
“Determined, as always, to ensure the truth prevails, Anyim reached out to the officer handling the matter and offered, on his own volition, to come over to the EFCC to clarify any issue around which his name was mentioned.
“The officer was delighted and they agreed to meet in his office at the EFCC by 3p.m., on Sunday, October 24.
“At the agreed time, Anyim arrived at the EFCC office. He was never invited by the commission. After his engagement, during which Anyim was as candid as could be, to his utter surprise, he was told he would not be going home that day. By the next day, the EFCC gave the conditions for his release, which were met promptly.
“It took up to Tuesday, 26, for EFCC to complete their processes after which he was allowed to go home. Anyim, as a law-abiding citizen, will always submit himself to any process required by any agency of the government in the discharge of its duties.
“Though not disturbed or worried by his encounter with the EFCC, after all he went to their office by himself, Anyim, however, noted some reports in some social media platforms that deliberately distorted the facts just to call his integrity to question.
“Anyim remains steadfast in his commitment to join hands with men and women of goodwill to unite, heal and advance the cause of our dear country, Nigeria. He will continue to offer himself and services to the pursuit of same, notwithstanding the blackmail, falsehood, misinformation and misrepresentation that some opportunists will seek to make out of such episodes like his recent encounter with the EFCC.”