How Waziri ordered arrest of High Court judge Declares
By JIDE AJANI
Declares: ‘I have done my best’
Fresh facts emerged last week that in the heat of doing her job as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Farida Waziri once ordered the arrest of a Federal High Court judge.
But the order was not carried out as senior staff of the agency prevailed on her after over one hour of persuasion, that the action would be misconstrued.
She gave the order in a moment of anger when the Federal High Court judge sitting in Enugu, gave a plea bargain judgment which a source at the Commission told Sunday Vanguard “was given outside the agreement reached before the judgment”. (See UNFINISHED BUSINESS in ATORY OF THE WEEK ON PAGE 41).
Also yesterday in Benue State and in what marks her first statement in reaction to her removal as EFCC boss, Madam Waziri said she had “done her best”.
According to her, on behalf of honorary graduands at the 11th and 12th combined convocation ceremonies of Benue State University, Makurdi, “I have done my best and I want to sincerely thank President Goodluck Jonathan for the opportunity to serve his administration till few days ago.
“My removal from office I have taken in good faith because I believe that’s the way God has purposed it. This is why I am greatly relieved that I have made history as EFCC Chairman and I do not have any regret for serving my fatherland because I am leaving with all sense of honour and humility.
“I have said before now that fighting corruption in our country is like holding the tiger by the tail, if care is not taken, the tiger will devour you. But I am grateful to God and all Nigerians who supported us and showed understanding of the difficult terrain we have had to confront the dangerous menace of economic crime.
“This is why all Nigerians must support President Jonathan and my successor to successfully fight the scourge.It is only with your cooperation and support, that absolute peace and security will be sustained for the development of our country as we strive towards a corrupt-free society.”
