The Head of Transparency International, Nigeria, Mr Auwal Rafsanjani, has expressed the organization’s lack of surprise at the suspension of Abdulrasheed Bawa, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, Rafsanjani, who is also the Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC), stated that the organisation was well aware of the possibility of Bawa’s removal due to the political interests and changes often associated with the appointment of EFCC leaders.
The suspension of Bawa was announced by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, following “weighty allegations of abuse of office” leveled against him.
“The suspension did not come to us by surprise,” TI said. “This is because of the way and manner the previous regimes or governments have always removed the EFCC leaders when they come into power.”
The group also noted that Tinubu, the President’s nephew, may not be inclined to retain Bawa due to his appointment process and affiliation.
“He will want to get rid of anything that has to do with that,” said Transparency International. “Also, there are some political interests, some politicians associated with the government, who also have issues with the current suspended EFCC chairman and therefore they are likely not to be comfortable to have him there.”
Rafsanjani highlighted that the EFCC office has become overly politicized, making it challenging for the agency to fulfill its mandate. He stated, “Therefore, it is making it difficult to do what an ordinary government agency is supposed to do. So, I’m not surprised.”
Despite the suspension, Rafsanjani emphasized the importance of continuing the fight against corruption and called on the government to prioritize professionalism in appointing the next chairman of the EFCC.
