Former INEC chairman, Iwu, traces EFCC ordeal to 2019 presidential election

Embattled former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Maurice Iwu, has disclosed that his travails in the hands of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) began during the last presidential election.

Iwu who was recently charged before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on a four-count charge bordering on money laundering, said the charges against him had nothing to do with his tenure as the Chairman of INEC.

In a statement he personally signed and issued to reporters in Owerri, Iwu claimed EFCC operatives denied him his right to vote during the last presidential election, noting that his international passport was also seized.

He said, “The journey I have found myself on began brewing on February 23, 2019 when I was deprived of my civic duty of voting in the presidential election as a result of the EFCC investigations.

“From the seizure of my international passport that February till this recent ordeal with actual charges and detention, God’s goodness has remained manifest as I recite Te Deum in thanksgiving.

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“I want to thank Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora for their enormous show of concern, support and the spiritual discipline (for not crucifying me before my day in the court of law).

“The support was not just in words of encouragement but more in actions of prayers; for in it all, the glory of God was made manifest. Though I ask the same question Ps. 4:2a stated, “How long, oh men will you turn my glory into shame?’

“It is noteworthy that none of the charges against me has to do with my tenure as Chairman of INEC.

“And to the scientific community, please be assured that this would not negatively affect the several ongoing work by Bioresources Institute of Nigeria (BION) in contributing to the discovery and development of phytomedicines for tropical and emergent diseases, and the use of our world-class research facility for the standardisation of African Medicinal Plants.”

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