EFCC Invites Former Bayelsa Governor Seriake For Questioning

Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it is questioning the former Governor of Bayelsa State Senator Seriake Dickson, over issues relating to the management of resources during his term as the leader of the oil-rich state.

EFCC’s spokesperson  Wilson Uwujaren confirmed the development to Channels Television on Tuesday.

The Senator has been at the headquarters of the anti-graft agency in Abuja since 11:00 am. He was later released to go home.

In a statement he signed and issued later in the day, Senator Seriake explained that he was invited by the agency to clarify issues related to the non-declaration of assets.

He said a non-governmental organization has written to the EFCC that he has not declared some assets, leading to his invitation by the agency.

“I understand that there is a petition from an NGO alleging that these investments (largely buildings, plots, farms, etc in my village, Orua, Yenagoa, and two buy-to-let houses in the UK) were not declared,” he said.

“I have a duty to clarify these issues with the investigating authorities who by law have the responsibility to inquire into these matters.”

He added that he made his family investments before emerging as the governor of Bayelsa State and that he had already declared his assets.

“My solicitors and those of the trust have written to the EFCC to clarify these issues with the accompanying documents,” Seriake added.