22 CSOs Ask N’Assembly to Review EFCC Act

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Twenty-two civil society organisations under the auspices of the Coalition of Concerned Nigeria Political Pressure groups yesterday called on National Assembly to review certain aspects of the Act establishing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The coalition said the anti-graft body under Mr. Ibrahim Magu, should not be made a monster organisation to be used by the executive against perceived opponents.

The National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Ali Abacha made the call at a press conference in Abuja, where he also called on the President Muhammadu Buhari to order the immediate stop of the unwarranted persecution of former first lady Patient Jonathan.

According to him, “We have regrettably observed as concerned Nigerians that certain elements within the president’s administration are bent on diverting attention of this noble course by unnecessarily politicising the war to achieve their own selfish motives, philosophy and mission.”

He added that the anti-graft agency should desist from its lazy man’s posture which makes it often apply media trial on matters that ought to be tried in law court.

Abacha noted that while the coalition was not in support of any corrupt tendencies or actions from any Nigerian, no matter how highly placed; he stresses that the convention worldwide and indeed in Nigeria since independent, was that no first lady has been singled out, harassed or embarrased in the way and manner Mrs. Jonathan is currently being treated.

He stated: “It is against this background that we as a concerned Nigerians are calling on President Buhari to quickly intervene and halt this unnecessary persecution of Jonathan through his wife by the EFCC.
“Mr. President should quickly direct the immediate unblocking and defreezing of all personal accounts of Mrs. Jonathan from ‘No withdrawal’ status they have been placed by EFCC.

“We would like to call on the National Assembly to critically review certain aspects of the Act establishing the EFCC…the commission must ensure that it rounds of investigations on matters on its table before going public as this would not only give its prosecution a sound presentation, but also win it a favourable judgment at the courts,” Abacha said.