The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had its good days implementing the anti-corruption campaign of the president. Its priority was seen in vigorous attempts to take down perceived corrupt entities.
It was possible for the commission to stay flexible or restructure without any element of self-destruct. But the undertone of chaos was hidden from the public for so many years.
There was misunderstanding between lawmakers in the National Assembly and the Presidency on the confirmation of the now suspended acting chairman of the commission, Ibrahim Magu.
The lawmakers had their reservations, which are now playing out. The reservations of the lawmakers then were seen as meant to serve personal political interests, but instructively, the Attorney-General of the Federation beamed a searchlight of sorts on the activities of the commission.
A lot of people see the activities of the former anti-corruption boss and others before him an a chain of endless overzealousness.
Also, there’s a general public perception that the commission is used for political witch-hunting of perceived opponents, among other things. They were also seen as attack dogs, president’s boys and other derogatory names.
But the outcry fell on deaf ears for reasons not clear to the public. The people, however, ignored the activities of the commission as the country had other pressing challenges to face.
While some onlookers are happy about the current events in the commission, others are startled. It is interesting to note that in the commission, the hunter is now being hunted by the powers the be.
And it seems the hunted is destined to carry his cross alone as many of his friends and associates are not bothered about his travails.
If the allegations against the suspended chairman of the EFCC are anything to go by, then those who called the commission derogatory names would be justified.
No doubt, the image of the commission has been tainted and there’s need for redemption. Among other allegations, the leadership of the commission has been variously accused of lopsided prosecutions. It is said that they lost some cases in court due to internal lapses.
If the truth must be told, removing the acting head of the organisation will not solve any problem if its mode of operation does not change.
There have been mixed feelings over the travails of the former chairman of the anti-graft commission and some directors. And those who are interested in the economic dynamics of this country have expressed varied concerns and interests.
Somehow, the current activities in the commission have, rightly or wrongly, divided attention on the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. Truly, there’s the need to other pressing needs of this country, in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unfortunately, officials of this administration operate in a divided house. This is evident in how they handle key national issues. And divergent views and actions by appointees of the Federal Government can never move this country forward.
The new leadership of the EFCC should do everything to redeem its image and possibly bring stability and the needed transparency. The suspended chairman of the commission should also take his ordeal in good faith.
With the change of leadership in the organisation, the battle against corruption in Nigeria is expected to take a new and acceptable look.
The present action against the commission should not be seen as a political exercise aimed at diverting public attention from other pressing issues the government has failed to handle with utmost efficiency.
In all sincerity, we need a commission that can sincerely investigate corrupt persons and organisations. We need a commission which citizens will not comfortably call an attack dog and other derogatory names.
Peters U. Onyilo wrote from Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State.
