By Godwin Oritse

THE  Nigerian Union of Journalist– Transport Media Chapel (TMC) has expressed  concern over the rascality and incessant humiliation the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has subjected the office of the Director General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in recent time.

Reacting to the recent arrest and questioning of the Director General of NIMASA, Mr. Temisan Omatseye by the EFCC, over what for the moment can best be described as lousy allegations of corruption and contract fraud, the group at its end of year deliberation in Lagos, noted that EFCC has formed the habit of walking into the NIMASA DG’s office at will without consideration or respect for the office or its occupier; with the flimsiest of excuses to make arrest, without first following the due process by extending invitation as a first approach.

The TMC note that in five years, the EFCC has with out regard, arrogantly stormed the Burma Road office of the apex maritime regulatory body, to effect arrest of four DGs, in a manner that suggest the security agency enjoys the act  as an award_winning thing.

Of particular concern to the TMC is the fact that with four separate arrest of individual NIMASA DGs, the EFCC has woefully failed to prosecute any, which suggest that ab nitio, the latter merely wishes to either amuse its leadership or please some behind_the_curtain characters with these phantom allegations of financial crimes.

Summarizing the collective thoughts of the group on the matter, Chairman of TMC, Mr. Kingsley Anaroke urged President Goodluck Jonathan, to prevail on the EFCC to henceforth respect the office of the DG DIMASA, and put a halt to the ‘yearly concert’ of the EFCC which attempt to seek fun with the routine arrest of the helmsman of the maritime regulatory agency at the expense of the moral, emotional and social sensibilities of the affected persons; as well indeed, the corporate image of NIMASA.

“At journalists, we support every meaningful and transparent fight against corruption and fraud wherever they exist in our body polity. If NIMASA’s financial transactions are questionable, we shall support the EFCC to expose any, but we must speak out against attempts to continually demonize one institution in the maritime sector.

We are not impressed that the EFCC just decide to get busy and make sensational news headline by walking leisurely into the DG NIMASA’s office and picking up the helmsman, for what usually turns out a security indiscretion and hoax. It’s very disturbing”, Anoroke said.

Adding “The actions of EFCC which has failed to indict any of the four DG’s arrested at separate times and the fact that none has been prosecuted lend credence to suspicion that the EFCC is merely doing someone’s bidding.

The glee to pick up NIMASA DGs and the failure by the EFCC to prosecute explains some evil and ulterior motive which has contributed to instability in the leadership of NIMASA a long time”, the group chairman said.

It will be recalled that the late Engr. Festus Ugwu, former DG NIMASA allegedly died from the trauma of EFCC arrest and humiliation. Ugwu was held by the EFCC for about two weeks and at the end of the day, no charges were brought against him. Those close to him said his health deteriorated under EFCC detention, and he never survived it.

The EFCC also arrested his predecessor, Arch. Ferdinand Agwu. He too was never charged. Ugwu’s successor, Mrs. Ufom Usoro suffered the same fate, leading to her sack. After her removal, it also became clear that her arrest by the EFCC was uncalled for, but effective because it paved the way for her ouster.

The TMC wonder, why in spite of gross financial allegations and petitions of same in respect of other agencies in the transport ministry, EFCC look the other way, but springs into action by the emptiest of petitions against NIMASA.

While the TMC does not wish to speak for Omatseye, whom it believes can defend himself and has indeed done so in the current debacle of smokescreen, as responsible estate of the realm, the group cannot pretend not to notice this unbridled rascality and unbecoming behaviour of the EFCC.