The EFCC Chairmen and Their Predicaments;Aside Ribadu’s tenure under former President Obasanjo, no EFCC Chairman ever slept with two eyes closed in terms of stability in office. lt is one plot after the other to get them out without prejudice” -Taofeek Mustapha
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)was established by President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration in 2003 and its constituting instrument was EFCC establishment act of 2004 while it was structured as Federal Agency and its governing body is the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.lt was established in response to pressure from the Financial Action Task Force(FATF)on money laundering,which named Nigeria as one of 23 countries non cooperative in the international community’s efforts to fight money laundering.
The first Chairman of the anti graft agency was Mr.Nuhu Ribadu. Aside Ribadu’s tenure under President Obasanjo, no EFCC Chairman ever slept with two eyes closed in terms of stability in office. lt is one plot after the other to get them out without prejudice whether they committed an offence or not in which they all left in a dramatic manner.We had Hajia Farida Waziri, lbrahim Lamorde and this resently suspended lbrahim Magu. The office is still vacant as President Mohammadu Buhari is still looking out for a good replacement of Magu.No one can be sure if Magu would still gain access back to the EFCC Chairman’s office after the investigation of his alleged crime.
Professor ‘Femi Odekunle,A fellow of the Social Science Academy of Nigeria(FSSAN)and currently the President of Nigerian Society of Criminology and Criminal Justice Administration. He is cited in published “who’s who” in Nigeria and abroad and was elected a “life member” of the World Society of Victimiology for over ten years ago, also a member of Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption in Nigeria(PACAC) said “Malami only indicted Magu unjustly and Magu is a victim of power play in the political scenes but he should be given fear hearing…”.lf a renowned Professor of this Calibre would have sounded in this manner, it goes beyond passing unfair judgment without considering Magu’s point of view.Mr ‘Femi ‘Falana (SAN) quoted Professor Odekunle and respected his view on the matter. He also commented that “l will not fault anyone yet on the matter, until fact is established on the allegations against Magu”.He tagged the incident as “Political allegations to motivation”. He also stated that “The point is that a retired President of the Court of Appeal, Ayo Salami will do justice to the matter. Magu has gone there with bundle of documents to defend himself and he is entitled to fear hearing on the allegations against him, before Mr President take his stand.
lt is a moral disaster…”But Mr. Magu’s fault lies on his failure to submit yearly financial records of the money retrieved from criminals to the National Assembly according to the section 2 of the ECCC’s act.He might have the records with him but he needs to be transparent about it.
The question that is begging for answer still remains, why is it so difficult to fight corruption in Nigeria where Chairmen of the anti graft agency would be kicking out as round leather balls often. Could it be Nigerians faults to be corrupt free or the Chairmen are corrupt? The facts is, Nigerians should be more committed to accountability and transparency as watchword to have a vibrant hitch free tenure in office irrespective of political undertone or affiliations that could have been attached to offices, for easy defense at any indictment .lbrahim Magu has been on trial for months contrary to President Buhari’s directive that the trial should not exceed 40 days.
The panel has not concluded on the matter to establish facts behind his trial if his guilty of allegations levied against him.
The commendation from the British court is another score point towards his achievements in office despite all odds and indictments.
Justice Salami’s Panel should reveal the hidden secrets to Nigerians if Magu is actually faulty or not.
Comrade Mustapha is Political Analysts
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