Transparency International, CISLAC Commend Bawa’s Confirmation, Set Agenda for New EFCC Chair
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Transparency International Nigeria has louded the confirmation of Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa as the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), by the Nigerian Senate, Wednesday.
In a Press Statement signed by Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Executive Director CISLAC and obtained by the Media, they expressed optimism that Mr. Bawa will use his youthful energy and knowledge as an official who passed through the ranks of the commission to implement reforms and ensure a fair and balanced fight against corruption in Nigeria by the commission.
It therefore called on the new EFCC Boss to ensure that the commission is totally independent from political influence being one of the major challenge facing anti-graft and law enforcement agencies across the country.
Setting further Agenda for the new anti-corruption czar, CISLAC/Transparency International said, “It is also important that the cooperation and synergy between the EFCC and its sister anti-graft and law enforcement agencies is increased to ensure better results in the fight against corruption.
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In the area of investigations and prosecutions of cases, the commission should endeavour to be thorough before court filing and processes. This is to ensure sufficient utilization of scarce resources.”
Additionally, it called on the EFCC should increase its international cooperation with external partners especially in the areas of asset recovery and management.
Calling on the new Chairman to make efforts towards ensuring that the EFCC Establishment Act 2004 is amended to ensure an active and effective board to oversee the operations of the commission.
It stated further that the welfare of the staff of the commission must be well catered for while training and retraining should be conducted for staff of the commission in line with global standards.
“Finally, the new chairman should also ensure that he engages non-state actors especially the media and civil society organizations and provide information to the public in line with the Freedom of Information Act 2011. By doing this, he will make the fight against corruption a collective effort with increased participation by citizens.”
Recall that Bawa’s confirmation was done after a screening which lasted for over two hours. The screening exercise was done in plenary and was presided over by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.
Mr Bawa was grilled by senators with about 15 lawmakers asking him various questions. The questions ranged from his past experiences, his relationship with his predecessors as well as his plans for the new position he has been appointed for.
 and Transparency International Nigeria has louded the confirmation of Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa as the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), by the Nigerian Senate, Wednesday.){kind=link}