The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has warned politicians against sending frivolous petitions against their opponents.
A statement by issued by the spokesman of the commission,Azuka Ogugua indicated tha the ICPC chairman, Bolaji Owasanoye, sounded the warning on Friday while hosting the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to the statement, Owasanoye said some politicians use anti-corruption agencies in order to outdo their opponents.
“Usually, when the season for competition comes,there is a spike in politically-motivated petitions for wild-goose chases.
“Some are brazen enough to tell you that we should make sure to stop Mr A from contesting and they will bring a petition forward. That is not our job, and we will not get involved in those things. We pack those type of petitions aside basically.
“Even if there is implication of merit within the complaint,we will say go and compete first.
“We are not going to be the one to be used to give you the fair or unfair advantage. When the competition is over, we will decide on the merit or otherwise of what you have brought forward,” he said.
According to Owasanoye, the ICPC has an existing understanding with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on how to address genuine electoral petitions when the need arises
He added that some politicians use anti-corruption agencies in order to outdo their opponents.
“Usually, when the season for competition comes, there is a spike in politically-motivated petitions for wild-goose chases.
“We are not going to be the one to be used to give you the fair or unfair advantage. When the competition is over, we will decide on the merit or otherwise of what you have brought forward.
He said the ICPC will not compromise itself or expose its officers to the compromise and desperation of politicians during the elections.
