The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) has expressed deep concerns over the suspension of the Chairman of the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa by President Bola Tinubu.
The president had last week suspended the anti-graft boss over “weighty” allegations of abuse of office levelled against him.
However, the Chairman of HEDA, Olarenwaju Suraju in a statement issued Sunday said Bawa’s Suspension was taking place within a month of the new government’s assumption of office.
He noted that this is now becoming a tradition for every regime, on assumption of office to decapitate the organisation and send the wrong signal that will undermine the ongoing fight against corruption in the country.
Suraju noted that Nigerians are still in the dark regarding the anti-corruption agenda of the new administration that will give direction for its engagement of the “cancer.
He stressed: ” The circumstances surrounding past and current government officials, particularly those in public office who have been summoned by the EFCC, have not been adequately addressed.
“Instead of investigating these matters, the government has chosen to suspend the EFCC Chairman, signaling a lack of genuine interest in addressing corruption issues from both past and present administrations.”
Suraju further expressed concern over the consistent pattern observed when it comes to the EFCC Chairman’s tenure, highlighting that no Chairman has ever left the office in a dignified manner.
He stressed that this ongoing challenge lies with the individuals who assume office and lack the will to thoroughly investigate past administrations, resulting in the unceremonious removal of EFCC Chairmen as sacrificial lambs.
The anti-corruption group warned that such actions send a negative message to the EFCC and other groups fighting against corruption.
“It has become almost customary for new governments to undermine the commission, further hindering the fight against corruption.”
To this end, HEDA called for a transparent and comprehensive approach to tackling corruption, while urging the new administration to prioritize the investigation of past cases and ensure the stability and effectiveness of the EFCC in its mission to combat corruption.