THE EFCC, AN AGENCY WAKING UP FROM ITS SLUMBER

Every Nigerian who has been following the activities of the anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Finance Crime Commission (EFCC) will be amazed how the crippled commission established to curb corruption and prosecute those found culpable to corruption is functioning these days having been rendered impotent for many past years. For the last few months, the agency has been busy making arrests and arraignments of the suspected individuals meddling in corruption and its variants.

The EFCC, as we know it, is always proficient in having different cases of corruption unfinished, inconclusive with unprofessional, implausible excuses of lacking evidence, deaths of witnesses among others. It has even become a tool to hunt and haunt the members of the opposition although those members of the opposition cannot be vindicated on this ground. And Nigerians do no longer see the anti-graft agency as a vibrant weapon to fight corruption.

But immediately after the installation of the incumbent president Muhammad Buhari, there seemed to be change, which is what the president is championing. And the overhauling of the system does not appear to exclude the EFCC as it bobbed up to arrest, detain for some days and arraign prominent Nigerians like the former governor of Jigawa state, Sule Lamido and his two sons, Murtala Nyack, who was a former governor of Adamawa state, the wife of the Senate President, Toyin Saraki among others. This is commendable though.

It should be, however, noted that war against corruption and impunity is beyond mere activities the EFCC is known for. The wrath of the law should fall heavily on anyone found guilty of corruption without regards for whatever social rank or wealth the person possesses. Indubitable evidence and reasonable witnesses that can enhance conviction should be garnered.

The need for the agency to sanitize itself cannot be overemphasized because nothing desirable, laudable can be achieved if the officers of the EFCC are not incorruptible. Issues of missing files, evidence that can hinder the efficient prosecution of the accused gluttonous individuals should be addressed and treated valiantly as this will show the genuineness of the agency's pursuits.

The officers of the agency should distance themselves from partisan politics and refuse to be used by those breeding corruption which is a leech on the country's flesh. The agency, now waking up from its slumber, should try as much as possible to convince the Nigerian populace that it is indeed bent on eradicating corruption. This is achievable if the EFCC can be so vibrant and relentless in its primary and constitutional assignments.

If the agency remains resolute to fight corruption with its might and power conferred on it by the Constitution, there will be good and reliable governance laced with transparency, accountability and egalitarianism. If this is in place, there will be development at all levels and systems of the country. It should not allow drowsiness to come in this time around and be conscious like the eagle, which is its symbol.

Timothy Faboade,
OAU, ILE-IFE.