By Aderogba George
A policy analyst, Dr Ephriam Attah, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure corruption investigations are driven by credible evidence rather than media narratives.
Attah made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja while reacting to reports on court proceedings involving former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, in the United Kingdom.
He said the reported outcome of the proceedings underscored the need for anti-corruption agencies to conduct thorough investigations and build cases supported by verifiable evidence capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny.
According to him, allegations should not be treated as proof of guilt, stressing that prosecutions must be anchored on facts, due process and the rule of law.
“The fight against corruption is necessary, but it must always be anchored on facts, due process and the rule of law. Media narratives cannot replace evidence before a competent court,” he said.
Attah also expressed concern over the reputational impact of corruption allegations on public officials before the conclusion of legal proceedings.
He cited former Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) executive, Bernard Otti, saying individuals linked to corruption investigations often suffered lasting reputational consequences regardless of the eventual outcome of court cases.
According to him, Otti has remained the subject of public criticism over allegations linking him to the administration of Alison-Madueke, stressing that every allegation should be tested through due process.
Attah said his comments were not intended to weaken the fight against corruption but to encourage stronger investigative processes that uphold fairness, professionalism and justice.
On Nigeria’s economic reform agenda, he urged the country to preserve institutional knowledge within public institutions, especially in the oil and gas sector.
He said experienced professionals, including former NNPC Group Executive Director (Finance and Accounts), Bernard Otti, possessed expertise that could support ongoing fiscal reforms.
According to him, Otti’s experience in public financial management, revenue administration, audit compliance and financial reporting could contribute to efforts aimed at improving transparency, strengthening state-owned enterprises and enhancing accountability.
“People like Bernard Otti understand how government financial systems work from the inside. Their knowledge can help reduce implementation gaps that often undermine well-designed policies and reforms,” he said.
Attah said countries implementing major economic reforms often relied on experienced technocrats to provide institutional continuity and support policy implementation.
He urged Nigeria to establish structured mechanisms for engaging retired public finance professionals through advisory councils, reform committees and fiscal governance panels.
According to him, preserving institutional memory would strengthen public institutions while enabling younger professionals to assume leadership roles.
He said the success of Nigeria’s economic reform agenda would depend not only on new policies but also on the capacity of institutions to implement and sustain them. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade