Transparency Coalition of Nigeria (TCN) has appealed to the incoming administration to ensure the autonomy of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

TCN Secretary General, Peter Gimba, raised concern the anti-corruption agency was politically compromised. “The reasons for the establishment of the EFCC remains genuine and the case for the commission remains strong. However, the perceived use of the EFCC by the executive to muzzle or intimidate its real or perceived opponents into submission is a worrisome development that has diminished public confidence in the EFCC and raised questions about the government’s commitment to due process, accountability and transparency,” stated Gimba.

He added, “TCN therefore calls on the President-elect, General Mohammadu Buhari to strengthen the EFCC and insulate it from political control, especially by those who seek to use the commission as a weapon of intimidation and blackmail targeted at political opponents.”

Gimba said currently, EFCC had been reduced to an agency that settles political scores.

“The use of pending EFCC cases in hate campaigns against perceived political opponents further contributes to the erosion of public confidence in the commission apart from the injury inflicted on the reputation of the affected individuals.

Credit: CAJ News