I Was Never Arrested By EFCC – Former Minister, Tallen

By Ayodele Oni

Immediate past Minister for Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, has debunked Media reports of her arrest by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, (EFCC).

In her clarification in a statement on Saturday, the former Minister stated that she went to the anti graft Commission on her own to clarify some issues.

“At about 9pm yesterday news began circulating that I had been arrested by the EFCC. This fake news was carried by several media outlets who were either mischievious or misguided.

“I would like to state that I went to the EFCC on my own accord to address the very false allegation made against me recently.

“Owing to the respect for my former Principal –  Former President Muhammadu Buhari and his good office, I did not previously address the open allegation. However, it has now become necessary to do so.

“Firstly, the decent and appropriate action, should have been a genuine enquiry, would be to write to the Mininstry for Women Affairs, to enquire about any funds sent to the Ministry.

“To immediately jump to the open without any proper formal correspondence is highly unprofessional, portrays a lack of respect for the Ministry of Women Affairs and injurious to my person and character.

“Furthermore, I will like to state that there was no formal invitation from the anti-graft agency neither was I arrested.

“Again out of respect for the professionalism demonstrated by the EFCC, I will make this Press statement a brief one, to allow for a transparent enquiry.

“Finally, I urge all leaders in every sphere of our Society and remind them that our Economic and Political infrastructure are to be used to serve the Nation, from the highest office holder to the noblest of us and not to be used as a tool for bias or intimidation.”