by Onozure Dania
A former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has written to the National Assembly about constitutional issues related to law enforcement agencies in Nigeria and factors inhibiting the government’s objective of abolishing corruption, as stated in Section 13 of the Constitution.
In two separate letters to the Senate and House of Representatives, dated October 14, 2024, he said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was an unlawful organisation that he believed was “unconstitutionally established.”
He said, “I very strongly believe the EFCC is unconstitutionally established. The powers under which it was established go beyond the powers of the National Assembly. The EFCC is an unlawful organisation,” Agbakoba said.
The letters were addressed separately to the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin; and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
The Deputy Speaker doubles as the Chairman, of the House Committee on Constitution Review, while the Senate President is the Chairman, of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review.
Agbakoba’s call came amidst a move by about 16 states of the federation to delegitimise the EFCC.
The Supreme Court will, on October 22, rule on the suit brought before it by 16 states, seeking to declare EFCC has no right to check the accounts of the state government.
Agbakoba stated that he was delighted to note that many states had finally taken it upon themselves to challenge the constitutionality of the EFCC, saying, “This will put to rest the question relating to the validity of the EFCC.”
The letter to the Deputy Senate President, titled, “Urgent Legislative Attention on Constitutional Reforms Relating to Law Enforcement Agencies and Anti-Corruption Efforts,” read: “I commend you for the remarkable leadership you have demonstrated as Chairman, Senate Constitution Review Committee, particularly in advancing the government’s reform agenda through a robust constitutional framework.
“Your efforts to strengthen the legal infrastructure underpinning the nation’s development programmes are indeed commendable.
“I write to draw attention to certain constitutional issues on matters related to law enforcement agencies. As you are obviously aware, the fundamental objective of the government is to abolish corruption.
“But from my observation, there is no harmony amongst law enforcement agencies on corruption. They all appear to be working at cross purposes.
“This has been confirmed by the Supreme Court in so many cases. The Supreme Court has consistently sanctioned the EFCC for its conduct and questioned if the EFCC can validly do what it does. I will go further to say that I very strongly believe the EFCC is unconstitutionally established. The powers under which it was established go beyond the powers of the National Assembly. The EFCC is an unlawful organisation.
“I am very delighted to note that many states have finally taken it upon themselves to challenge the constitutionality of the EFCC.
“This will put to rest the question relating to the validity of the EFCC. Whilst we await the decision of the Supreme Court as the final court on the matter, I respectfully request that the Senate convene a public hearing to consider these constitutional issues.
“Such a hearing would provide an invaluable platform for stakeholders to discuss the reforms needed to strengthen Nigeria’s legal and institutional frameworks for law enforcement and anti-corruption, which will meet the stated and laudable objective of the government to abolish corruption as stated in Section 13 of the Constitution.
“I trust that, under your capable leadership, the Senate Constitution Review Committee will give these matters urgent attention in the interest of our nation’s development.
“Thank you for your consideration of this important matter. I look forward to your response.”
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