Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has declared that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are integral to Nigeria’s fight against corruption and will not be scrapped, despite calls from some state governors.
This comes as 16 state governors have filed a suit challenging the legality of the laws establishing the anti-graft agency. The Supreme Court has set October 22 to hear the case.
States backing the suit, originally filed by the Kogi State Government, include Ondo, Edo, Oyo, Ogun, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Enugu, Benue, Anambra, Plateau, Cross River, and Niger. The governors argue that the Constitution is supreme and any law inconsistent with it is void.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Falana advised the states to focus on ensuring the autonomy of the EFCC, rather than seeking to dismantle it.
“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,” Falana stated.
He emphasised the need for these institutions to remain independent in their operations.
“And the Supreme Court has maintained repeatedly concerning the EFCC and ICPC that these are common agencies to fight economic and financial crimes in our country, and should not be under the control of the Federal Government,” Falana added.
