Group reacts to Supreme Court judgement on EFCC, others
Quick Read
The agencies validated are the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU)
By Paul Dada
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has commended the Supreme Court for affirming the legality of the existence and prosecutorial powers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other anti-graft agencies.
The apex court took the decision in suits filed against the agencies by some states and CISLAC in a statement by its Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, described the verdicts in the all the cases as a significant victory for the rule of law and the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
The agencies validated are the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
CISLAC in its statement, said, “We applaud the seven-member panel, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, for their unanimous decision in dismissing the suit filed by the 19 state governments. The court’s ruling that the suit lacked merit and its rebuke of the plaintiffs for their selfish intentions behind the legal action, sends a strong message that corruption and impunity will not be tolerated.
“Justice Abba-Aji’s assertion that no state government can enact laws that compete with the Acts of the National Assembly establishing the EFCC, ICPC, and NFIU reaffirms the supremacy of federal laws in the fight against corruption.
“The court’s affirmation of the investigative and prosecutorial powers of these agencies over crimes committed at both the state and federal levels is a crucial step in ensuring accountability and justice.
“CISLAC recognises the importance of this judgement in strengthening the anti-corruption framework in Nigeria. We urge all state governments to cooperate with federal anti-corruption agencies and support their efforts to investigate and prosecute corrupt practices.
“This ruling should serve as a deterrent to those who seek to undermine the fight against corruption through frivolous legal challenges.”
Comments