From: Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
No fewer than 16 civil society groups have issued a two-week ultimatum to the Senate to confirm Ibrahim Magu or any other person as the substantive head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC) or be ready to contain millions of Nigerians that would be mobilise to occupy the National Assembly.
Addressing journalists, in Abuja, spokesperson of the group, under the auspices of Civil Society Network Against Corruption, Olanrewaju Suraju, urged the Upper Chambers to demonstrate commitment to the fight against corruption, stressing that the confirmation of a substantive head for the EFCC is central to government’s anti-corruption fight.
According to the group; “The National Assembly is an important arm in the triangular governance structure of Nigeria. As the arm of government responsible for making laws for the country, and following up with oversight functions to ensure compliance by other arms of government, the centrality of the National Assembly in a democracy cannot be overstated.
Within the National Assembly, the Senate is the lead chamber responsible for many important decisions of the law-making body. This also places the Senate President, as the Chairman of the National Assembly. It is for these reasons that we choose to address this letter to you, and by extension the 108 other Senators.
“One of the cardinal objectives of the current government of which you are a principal officer is the fight against corruption. You will agree that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is central to the government’s anti-corruption effort.
“As the leader of a Senate that has on several occasions expressed its commitment to the war against corruption, it is important that you put in place the necessary mechanisms to ensure that the issue of a substantive chairman for the EFCC is dealt with as expeditiously and transparently as possible.
“The objective of the Special Crimes Courts Bill, as stated in its title, is: “An Act to provide for the establishment of a Special Crimes Court as a superior court of record to allow for speedy trials of certain offences, including economic and financial crimes, terrorism, money laundering, corruption offences and for related matters.”
“The lack of passage of this bill and other related bills is delaying the adjudication of criminal cases. It is, therefore, imperative to have these specialised courts and other laws enacted in good time.
“We respectfully demand immediate action on the issues raised here above. These actions must go beyond the usual platitudes and politically correct assurances. This is a first step in pressing for these demands. We are, therefore, giving the Senate two weeks from the date of this letter, to show good faith in addressing the issues raised above.
“If the Senate fails to act swiftly on these issues, we will be left with no option but to mobilise Nigerians from all walks of life to mount an occupation of the Senate.
Do accept, distinguished Senate President, the assurances of our highest regards,” the group warned.