Famous lawyer Olisa Agbakoba don write letter to both chambers of the National Assembly, saying that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) no dey follow the constitution. Agbakoba, who be Senior Advocate of Nigeria, point out say the powers wey EFCC dey use go beyond the powers wey the National Assembly give dem.
In the two separate letters wey he write to the Senate and House of Representatives on October 14, 2024, Agbakoba state clearly say, “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 address the letters to the chairpersons of the respective Committees on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in the National Assembly: Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu.
He express pleasure say some states of the federation don indicate their readiness to contest the constitutionality of the anti-graft agency. Agbakoba say, “This will put to rest the question relating to the validity of the EFCC.”
In his letter, titled “Urgent Legislative Attention on Constitutional Reforms Relating to Law Enforcement Agencies and Anti-Corruption Efforts,” Agbakoba commend the leadership of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review for their efforts in advancing the government’s reform agenda through a robust constitutional framework.
He draw attention to certain constitutional issues related to law enforcement agencies, noting that there is no harmony among them on the issue of corruption. Agbakoba mention that the Supreme Court has consistently sanctioned the EFCC for its conduct and questioned whether the EFCC can validly perform its functions.
Agbakoba request that the Senate convene a public hearing to consider these constitutional issues, saying it 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.
