A coalition of over 20 civil society organisations (CSOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) under the umbrella of Kwara CSO Observatory has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for the successes recorded in the anti-corruption fight in Nigeria.
The Convener of the group and Executive Director, of the Media Advocacy and Technology Center, Comrade Musa Aliyu particularly commended the Commission for making the observance of the rule of law its watchword in its operations.
Comrade Aliyu, gave the commendation during a courtesy visit by the group to the Zonal Commander, Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC, Michael Nzekwe, at the Commission’s Office, GRA, Ilorin.
He said the purpose of the visit was to strengthen the relationship with the EFCC with a view to ensuring effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, ACJL, in the State.
According to him, the group (Kwara CSO Observatory) was committed to upholding justice, human rights and the rule of law, while the ACJL was enacted to serve as a vital legal framework aimed at improving the criminal justice system in Nigeria.
He stated further that, “ACJL embodies principles of fairness, expeditiousness and respect for the rights of both accused and the victims”, but lamented its poor implementation, particularly in Kwara State.
“Despite the commendable efforts taken to pass the ACJL, in Kwara State, we have observed several challenges in its implementation, which have had adverse effects on the administration of justice in the state’’, Comrade Aliyu said.
The group pledged their continuous support as the EFCC strives to achieve more success in its efforts at ridding the country of corruption, while encouraging the Commission to keep up the zeal in the anti-graft war, noting that the fate of Nigerians is in the Commission’s hands.
In his response, Nzekwe expressed delight over the visit noting that, “there is hope for Nigeria and that the anti-corruption fight will yield more positive outcomes if Nigerians decide to own the fight.”
He said: “The EFCC is one of the leading law enforcement agencies in Nigeria. Because we are a creation of law, we have been complying with the provisions of ACJL and we are operating within the ambits of the law. Our officers are very professional and strict adherents of rule of law. We are having our code of conduct. We believe in the supremacy of the rule of law and we can’t compromise it.”
Nzekwe further said that “The EFCC is at the forefront to look into the issues of illegal mining in the State. It is a menace that is causing huge damage to not only the local and national economy but the host communities as well. Little did people know that the resources in Kwara State if properly harnessed is enough not only to turn Kwara into a solid mineral state but can turn the state into a small London.”
He vowed that “in as much as the illegal operators are not ready to give up their illegal deals, the EFCC will not also relent its effort in checking their activities and other forms of corruption in the state.”
The Zonal Commander called on Civil Society Organisations, Traditional Rulers and other well-meaning Nigerians to join the Commission in educating the masses about the ills of corruption, particularly the illegal miners who penetrate our villages to mine our mineral resources without license and due royalties to the Federal Government”.
On the visit were Balqees Hamza, Global Builder Initiative; Musa Idris Buko, Grassroot Youths Sustainable Leadership Initiative (GYSLI); Mohammed Manzuma, Coalition of Kwara North Groups; Ajibade Kehinde, Albarka FM; Adebisi Medinat, FIDA, Kwara and the convener of the group, Comrade Musa Aliyu.
Dominica Nwabufo
