The Executive Vice President for African Affairs at the International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Administration, Prof. Tunji John Asaolu, has strongly criticized calls to scrap the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Newspot reports that about 16 state governments have a consolidated suit before the Supreme Court challenging the law establishing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Prof. Asaolu criticized efforts by some states, including Kogi, to push for the dissolution of the EFCC, warning that such actions would embolden corrupt practices and erode the progress made in tackling financial crimes.
He noted that such a move would undermine the ongoing fight against corruption in Nigeria and equally jeopardize the nation’s economic growth and development.
He said, “It may interest you to note that the Government of Kogi State, along with other states, is also calling for the scrapping of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Just like the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and the Nigeria Lottery Trust Fund, the EFCC has recovered hundreds of billions of naira for the federal government.
“They fear that the federal government regulating the sector is not allowing them free access, as the EFCC is closing in on them day by day. Therefore, they instigated some state governments to file and demand the scrapping of these federal agencies, which will enable them to surcharge Nigeria even more.
“Our institute has confidence in the Nigerian judiciary to handle cases, including this very one, on its merit, as public interest is always above personal sentiment. Nigerian judges are highly competent and professional, especially at the Supreme Court.”
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