Kehinde Fajobi
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has affirmed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) will remain integral to Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
This comes amidst growing calls from some state governors that the EFCC is illegally constituted and should be scrapped.
A group of 16 governors recently filed a suit challenging the constitutionality of the EFCC’s establishment. The states involved, originally led by Kogi, include Ondo, Edo, Oyo, Ogun, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Enugu, Benue, Anambra, Plateau, Cross River, and Niger. They argue that any law inconsistent with the constitution should be deemed null and void.
The Supreme Court is set to hear the case on October 22.
Falana, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, urged the states to focus on making the EFCC independent rather than challenging its legality.
“For me, the ICPC and the EFCC, like the Code of Conduct Tribunal, have come to stay. What we should be demanding are measures to make these institutions autonomous, not under the control of any government,” he stated.
He added, “The Supreme Court has maintained repeatedly concerning the EFCC and ICPC that they should not be under the control of the Federal Government. They are common agencies to fight economic crimes, financial crimes, and corruption in our country.”