Four consolidated bills which seek to remove the power of appointing the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from the President, passed second reading at the House of Representatives plenary on Wednesday.
The bills which is a movement by the lawmakers for fresh amendments of the EFCC Act, 2004, is targeted at strengthening the EFCC, separate it from the Presidency influence, improve its financial autonomy, as well as recommend tougher penalties for stealing public money and recommend a special court for the anti-graft agency for speedy trial of cases.
The bills which passed second reading at the House session presided over by Speaker Yakubu Dogara, were co-sponsored by the chairman, House Committee on Financial Crimes, Mr. Kayode Oladele; Mr. Bassey Ewa; Mr. Oladipupo Olatunde and Mr. Bede Ucehenna-Eke.
Ewa who led the debate during the plenary argued that the fresh “amendment will open up the EFCC so that the President will not be the sole person to either remove or appoint the commission’s chairman.
“In this new proposal, it will require a petition from the public to the National Assembly for a resolution.
“This resolution, when passed, will be forwarded to the President. Mr. President shall within one month, either accept the resolution or reject it.
“The National Assembly reserves the power to override his veto of the resolution.”
He went further to say that the move will prevent the present practice where the President may be uncomfortable with the chairman and decide to remove him without restraint.
This is coming just as the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday for the second time, refused the request of President Muhammad’s Buhari to confirm the appointment of Ibrahim Magu as EFCC chairman.
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