Abuja — Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it has not cleared former governor of Anambra State, Dr, Chris Ngige of allegation of financial misconduct.

One of the Commission's private counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, was reported as describing Ngige as one of the 36 state governors who acquitted himself in office creditably without soiling his hands with public funds. In fact, the report quoted Jacobs as describing Ngige as a "rare public figure who did not stain his hands in office."

But in a statement at the weekend in Abuja, EFCC made it clear that it has not taken any decision foreclosing the investigation of Ngige.

It however did not explain the extent of its investigation of the erstwhile governor whose election into office was nullified by the Enugu Division of the Court of Appeal last month.

Explained EFCC in a statement signed by its Head, Media and Publicity, Mr. Osita Nwajah, "For the avoidance of doubt, EFCC did not 'clear' Dr. Chris Ngige of alleged financial misconduct and has not mandated anyone to say otherwise."

The Commission explained that Jacobs' brief as a private legal practitioner contracted to assist EFCC in the prosecution of some of its cases "does not and cannot extend to issuing statements on behalf of the Commission.

"He can therefore only make statements that are personal to him and on matters affecting his chambers.

The statement further explained that not being a staff of the Commission or entrusted with the responsibility to receive, investigate or speak on petitions "Jacobs is not privy to information about petitions, their types, volumes and decisions taken on them and cannot therefore make comments about petitions on behalf of the Commission."