Amid debates over calls to disband the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), human rights lawyer Femi Falana stated that the EFCC and similar institutions in the country are here to stay.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Falana emphasized that instead of questioning the EFCC’s legitimacy, the focus should be on demanding safeguards to prevent government control over the agency.
Falana stated, “In my view, the ICPC and EFCC, like the Code of Conduct Tribunal, are permanent institutions. What we should be asking for are steps to ensure their independence, free from government control.”
He also added, “The Supreme Court has consistently ruled on the EFCC and ICPC, affirming that these agencies should not be under the control of the Federal Government. They are essential bodies in the fight against economic crimes, financial crimes, and corruption in our country.”
The Senior Advocate emphasized that the EFCC and ICPC were created to fulfill the responsibility assigned to the Nigerian state under Section 15, Subsection 5 of the Constitution.
