The Arewa Civil Society Organisation (ACSO) has called for the holistic overhauling of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), to enable the agency to deliver on its mandate and meet the expectations of Nigerians.
In a statement to Journalists, signed by its chairman, Adamu Aminu Musa, the group noted that the commission failed to carry out its constitutional role since the suspended chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa was appointed.
The group pointed out that the suspension of Bawa was the right decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because Bawa had allegedly continuously abused and misused his office.
According to the statement, “President Bola Tinubu should overhaul and holistically change or dissolve the EFCC completely and replace it with a more reliable anti-graft agency that will stand the test of time.
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“As Chairman of the EFCC, Bawa failed to comply with Section 6 of the Establishment Act 2004 which empowers the EFCC to combat economic and financial crimes, thereby enabling the commission to prevent, investigate, prosecute and penalise economic and financial crimes.
“Hence, suspending him is the first step towards making things right in the fight against corruption.
“We have been vindicated for our earlier stance on calling for the removal of Bawa, now the President has listened, this is very courageous and exemplary, and we must commend him for taking this bold and righteous decision.
“Moreso, most of our grievances that made us take that stance are the reasons the DSS invited the suspended chairman for questioning.
“They include various charges of abuse of office, accusation of stealing and alleged violation of the code of conduct for public officers”.
