Some State governors are of the opinion that the two anti-graft agencies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) should be abolished.
“They [EFCC and ICPC] have been effectively used as political tools against those considered political enemies of any president in power.” One Governor argued.
Another State governor from the North-West while speaking to Punch News on Friday said that he supported the move, noting that many other governors are supporting the proposed move.
He said they would advise President Goodluck Jonathan to abolish the two agencies as recommended by the Stephen Oronsaye-led committee on rationalisation of federal agencies, if consulted.
A governor from the North-West said, “Our views have not been sought. But I know Nigerians would view our support for scrapping the two agencies from the position that governors are corrupt, and therefore, would not want the agencies to exist.
“But the charges against us are mere allegations. How many former governors have the two agencies convicted so far?
“Apart from the EFCC that made the arrest and prosecution of some former governors a showbiz, tell me, what has the ICPC done?
“Even the EFCC, which some would say, has done better, the majority of the prosecutions are done on the pages of newspapers.
“If the scrapping will lead to efficiency of the Police, which are primarily saddled with such responsibilities, why not (support it)?”
But another governor from the North-Central, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that scrapping the two agencies would not serve any purpose for the governors.
He said Nigerians had been brainwashed to the extent that they “believe that all governors are corrupt and will naturally support the scrapping of the two agencies.
“So, if I say support it, they would say, don’t mind him, it is expected. They are all corrupt.
“But can Nigerians say in all honesty that these two agencies have done well, considering the amount of money that has been invested in them?
“Well, it is the duty of the Federal Government to decide either to scrap or not, after all, we were not consulted before they were created.”
Since 2007, the EFCC has taken no fewer than 18 former governors to court for corruption, money laundering and theft of public funds, two of whom had been convicted.
Those so far convicted are, Chiefs Diepriye Alamieyesiagha (Bayelsa); and Lucky Igbinedion of Edo State.
Some of these ex-governors have been exploring ways of undermining the EFCC.
Oronsaye, whose committee recommended the reduction of the existing 263 statutory agencies in the country to 161, abolition of 38 agencies among others, had said, “It was noted that the functions of EFCC and ICPC are the traditional functions of the Nigeria Police.
“The committee observed that even though the two commissions were established separately to address corruption, which the Police appeared to have failed to do, successive administrations have ironically continued to appoint the Chairman of the EFCC from the Police Force, while the methodology adopted by the ICPC in conducting investigations as well as the training of its personnel in investigation procedure is carried out by the Police.
“One wonders if it was really expedient to dismember the Nigeria Police rather than allow it to evolve as a vibrant and effective agency.”
According to him, the fact that an institution is inefficient and ineffective should not be a basis for the creation of new ones.
-Punch News
I think they should both be eradicated bcoz all the money nd properties seized, where are they today, the Nigerian economy is crying nd declining evryday, then where av those moneys gone? ICPC or no ICPC, still corruption is breeding nd multiplying, nd d staffs r recieving salaries, ERADICATE it or RE-ELECT new PATRIOTS in those office.
The Efcc and Icpc appear to be as corrupt as the Nigerian police. We cannot continue like this. Am of the view that waste of resources in maintaining the two agencies should be discontinued while state police should be allowed as a panacea for recruitment errors and corruption in the Nigerian Police which favours only the rich and mighty in Nigeria.
No nothing will happen to the agencies , we have to make it strong to fight the corruption in non performing elected post, icpc and efcc will stand you fools go out there to fight boko haram or are you people there sponsors ?
Nigeria is corrupt, we all know it. All the governors that are supporting the scraping of the EFCC & Co are sacred ‘cos they all have skeletons in their cupboard which they don’t want people to know (thieves), don’t worry when the wind will blow, we’ll all see what the fowls has been hiding under it feathers.
In response to Mr Mike’s write up. Have you not thought that the State Police, if created, instead of it servicing as a panacea to Nigeria insecurity, would rather compound it as every rational nigerian would agree with me that they (the state police) would be serving majorly as political instrument, especially to those (the governors) in power?
In response to Mr Mike’s write up. Have you not thought that the State Police, if created, instead of it servicing as a panacea for Nigeria insecurity, would rather compound it as every rational nigerian would agree with me that they (the state police) would be serving majorly as political instrument, especially to those (the governors) in power?
It was because of the failure of police that led the formation of this agencies so I do not see police in its present form being able to fight corruption. My suggestion is that the two agencies should be merged into one.
I think that the two agencies should be merged. There is no need for having two agencies with the same ideology. That is wasting of funds. As for those calling for the scrap of both, they should be checked. I can remember most politicians say the fear of EFCC is the beginning of wisdom during the time of Nuhu Rihbadu. We should just look for a fearless person and an honest person to head the EFCC in other for the EFCC to get back its lost glory. It should never be scrapped.
As long heads of icpc and efcc are of the pdp origin, we cannot get anything good out of then apart from politica witch hunting.
Actually i am in support of mr. Stev and dickson. As they say something about the merginalization of the two agencies, that a good idea of course.
No good reasons from the statement of those governors that back-up the eradication of the two agencies. And I want to suggest that those agencies should not be eradicated, at least their presence still put fear in the mind of some so call- leaders that suppose to service us but turned us to slaves. LET THE TWO AGENCIES BE.
To the Agencies, desist from evil, guide your good reputation by adding honesty and integrity to your service. GOD BLESS NIGERIA.
It is high time we start deceiving ourself.these two agencies are politically controlled and they can’t arrest during the time they are governing us bcus the agencies follow protocol.and any body or governors dat can nt buy their ways out nor coperate with them ar those they arrest.they knw hw they ar doing it.the point is dat let them stand seprate and be given maximum power to carry out their works effectively.
They should go olodo rapata