A contentious dispute has erupted between the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) over Wycliffe Oparanya’s suitability for the role of Cabinet Secretary. The disagreement centres on a recent ODPP decision to withdraw consent to prosecute Oparanya, a move sharply contested by the EACC.
In a dramatic development, the ODPP has written to withdraw its consent for prosecuting Oparanya, citing new legal and procedural considerations. The letter, however, has been met with skepticism and resistance from the EACC. The commission contends that the withdrawal order was issued after announcing Oparanya’s nomination, rendering it legally ineffective.
Adding to the controversy, there are allegations that the ODPP’s withdrawal letter was backdated to July 8th, a move that EACC officials argue was intended to influence the ongoing graft case against Oparanya retroactively. The EACC has vehemently rejected the ODPP’s withdrawal and has vowed to press on with the corruption case, asserting that the timing and procedural integrity of the ODPP’s actions compromise the legal process.
In response to the unfolding legal battle, Wycliffe Oparanya has formally challenged the EACC’s decision, submitting a petition to the National Assembly. Oparanya’s petition questions the legitimacy of the EACC’s stance and seeks to address the procedural discrepancies raised by the recent developments.
The clash between the two agencies has sparked a heated debate about the integrity of the anti-corruption framework and the oversight of high-profile nominations. As the EACC and ODPP continue to dispute the validity of the withdrawal and the timing of legal actions, the case against Oparanya remains at the centre of this legal and political storm.
The National Assembly is expected to review Oparanya’s petition and the ongoing conflict between the EACC and ODPP as this dispute’s political and legal ramifications unfold. The resolution of this clash will likely have significant implications for anti-corruption efforts and the nomination process for key government positions.
