What you need to know:
- EFCC’s Leadership: Elabor Joe Agbebaku points out that all past chairmen of the EFCC, since its 2003 inception, have been from the North.
- The Line-Up: Past chairmen include notable figures such as Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Mrs. Farida Waziri, and Abdulrasheed Bawa.
- A Call for Change: Agbebaku emphasizes the need for diversity, suggesting it’s time for a Southerner to take the helm of the EFCC.
- Appeal to the President: Agbebaku urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider a Southern candidate for the upcoming EFCC chairmanship appointment.
EDO (MANDYNEWS) — Elabor Joe Agbebaku, Esq., in a statement released today, underscored the consistent appointment of Northern leaders to the chairmanship of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) since its inception in 2003.
The statement titled “EFCC Chairmanship Position; Ripe Time For A Southerner” sheds light on the absence of a Southern chairman in the Commission’s two-decade history.
Detailing the lineage of EFCC leaders, Agbebaku noted:
- 2003: Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Adamawa State (North East)
- 2007: Mrs. Farida Waziri, Benue State (North Central)
- 2011: Ibrahim Lamorde, Adamawa State (North East)
- 2015: Ibrahim Magu, Borno State (North East)
- 2020: Mohammed Umar Abba, Kano State (North West)
- 2021: Abdulrasheed Bawa, Kebbi State (North West)
- 2023: Adulkarim Chukkol (acting), Borno State (North East)
The statement emphasized, “The Southern region, despite boasting numerous high-ranking officers, has been conspicuously absent from the EFCC’s top seat. As we await a new appointment, the government should consider the wealth of expertise and potential from the Southern region.”
Agbebaku added that such a shift would not only reflect the nation’s diversity but would also uphold the Federal Character principle, a cornerstone of Nigeria’s legal framework.
“In light of the recent changes at the EFCC, it’s a ripe time for the nation to embrace equity and fairness,” he remarked.
The statement concluded with a direct appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to “give due consideration to the Southern region, ensuring that the nation’s commitment to diversity and representation is truly realized.”
