A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr Kayode Ajulo, has urged President Bola Tinubu to set up a presidential taskforce to identify corrupt officers in the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
Ajulo made the call in Abuja on Saturday against the backdrop of the claim by Mr. Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of EFCC, that the quest for bribes by the agency’s investigators had become “too embarrassing”.
Olukoyede had disclosed this in his New Year address to the staff of the commission on January 18.
Ajulo, however, said the president should set up a task force to look into the activities of corrupt elements in the agency.
He added that an agency saddled with fighting corruption should be above board, adding that it is apparent that the commission could not self-clean.
He noted that the main task of the presidential task force would be to weed out corrupt elements of the commission to allow it to function effectively.
The constitutional lawyer also urged Tinubu to look into the merger of the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
According to him, the EFCC should either be merged with the ICPC or the president sets up a task force to look into the activities of corrupt officers in the anti graft agency.
“The EFCC has long been entrusted with the critical responsibility of preventing, investigating, and prosecuting financial crimes.
“However, recent developments have raised concerns about the commission’s focus and operations, warranting a thorough reassessment of its mandate and effectiveness.
“Regrettably, it appears that the EFCC has strayed from its primary functions, engaging in what can be described as political posturing.”
Ajulo noted that the EFCC has prioritised high-profile cases and media sensationalism over its core objectives, thereby compromising its ability to diligently pursue and bring to justice the real perpetrators of economic and financial crimes.
He added that it is crucial to critically evaluate the EFCC operations, address shortcomings, and reinforce commitment to its original purpose.
The legal luminary said it is expedient for the EFCC to restore public trust, enhance transparency, and strengthen its capacity to tackle economic and financial crimes effectively.
He called for a thorough probe of the circumstances surrounding the alleged pursuit of Zamfara State governor, Mr. Dauda Lawal, by the EFCC on the alleged $9 billion he purported for Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.
This, he explained, is while his case was still pending before the Supreme Court, adding that following his victory in the apex court, the EFCC swiftly shifted focus to his political rival – former Governor Bello Matawalle.
* Media Report