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Agbakoba Backs 16 State Governors Challenging Constitutionality of EFCC

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▪︎Dr. Olisa Agbakoba

Renowned lawyer, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, has drawn the attention of the National Assembly to constitutional issues related to law enforcement agencies in Nigeria and factors inhibiting the government’s objective of abolishing corruption as stated in Section 13 of the Constitution.

In two separate letters to the Senate and the House of Representatives, dated October 14, 2024, he said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was an unlawful organisation, which he believed was “unconstitutionally established”. “I very strongly believe the EFCC is unconstitutionally established. The powers under which it was established go beyond the powers of the National Assembly.

The EFCC is an unlawful organization,” Agbakoba, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, said.

The letters were addressed separately to the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin; and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

The Deputy Speaker doubles as the Chairman, House Committee on Constitution Review, while Senator Jibrin is Chairman, Senate Committee on Constitution Review.

Agbakoba noted that he was delighted to note that many states had finally taken it upon themselves to challenge the constitutionality of the EFCC, saying, “This will put to rest the question relating to the validity of the EFCC.”

“I trust that, under your capable leadership, the Senate Constitution Review Committee will give these matters urgent attention in the interest of our nation’s development.

The letter to the Deputy Senate President, titled, “Urgent Legislative Attention on Constitutional Reforms Relating to Law Enforcement Agencies and Anti-Corruption Efforts“, reads: “I commend you for the remarkable leadership you have demonstrated as Chairman, Senate Constitution Review Committee, particularly in advancing the government’s reform agenda through a robust constitutional framework. Your efforts to strengthen the legal infrastructure underpinning the nation’s development programs are indeed commendable.

“I write to draw attention to certain constitutional issues on matters related to law enforcement agencies.

As you are obviously aware, the fundamental objective of the government is to abolish corruption. But from my observation, there is no harmony amongst law enforcement agencies on corruption. They all appear to be working at cross purposes.

“This has been confirmed by the Supreme Court in so many cases. The Supreme Court has consistently sanctioned the EFCC for its conduct and questioned if the EFCC can in fact validly do what it does.

I will go further to say that I very strongly believe the EFCC is unconstitutionally established. The powers under which it was established go beyond the powers of the National Assembly.

The EFCC is an unlawful organization.

“I am very delighted to note that many states have finally taken it upon themselves to challenge the constitutionality of the EFCC.

This will put to rest the question relating to the validity of the EFCC. While we await the decision of the Supreme Court as the final court on the matter, I respectfully request that the Senate convene a public hearing to consider these constitutional issues.

“Such a hearing would provide an invaluable platform for stakeholders to discuss the reforms needed to strengthen Nigeria’s legal and institutional frameworks for law enforcement and anti-corruption, which will meet the stated and laudable objective of the government to abolish corruption as stated in Section 13 of the Constitution.

“I trust that, under your capable leadership, the Senate Constitution Review Committee will give these matters urgent attention in the interest of our nation’s development.

Thank you for your consideration of this important matter. I look forward to your response.”

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JUST IN: President Tinubu Extends Customs Boss Adeniyi’s Tenure by One Year

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President Bola Tinubu has approved a one-year extension for the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. Originally set to end in August 2025, his tenure will now continue until August 2026.

According to a statement signed by Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, the extension aims to give Mr. Adeniyi the opportunity to consolidate key reforms and oversee the completion of major initiatives, including the modernisation of Customs operations, the National Single Window Project, and Nigeria’s obligations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

President Tinubu commended Adeniyi’s leadership and expressed confidence that the extension would bolster trade facilitation, boost revenue generation, and enhance border security.

Appointed Comptroller-General in October 2023, Adeniyi recently achieved international recognition when he was elected Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organization, the highest decision-making body in global customs affairs.

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Kogi Governor Commends President Tinubu over Abuja-Lokoja Road Reconstruction

The Governor also commended the Works Minister, Engr Dave Imahi for the quality of job on the road.

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The Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for showing unparalleled commitment towards the completion of the Abuja-Lokoja road Reconstruction, saying his action has demonstrated his unwavering determination to fix the nation’s infrastructure deficit.

The Governor while inspecting a section of the road at Kotonkarfe in Kogi State said the President represents a “coalition of excellence”.

“This is our own coalition. This is what our President is doing and we are grateful to him. This is development”, he said.

The Governor also commended the Works Minister, Engr Dave Imahi for the quality of job on the road.

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JUST IN: Oluremi Tinubu Donates 1 Billion naira to victims of Yelwata attack

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The Wife of the President Oluremi Remi Tinubu has donated the sum of one billion naira to victims of the horrific Yelwata attack in Benue State.

Oluremi Tinubu who announced the donation during her condolence visit to the state, described the killings as very unnecessary.

About 6 weeks after the heart wretching attack on Yelwata community of Guma local council of Benue State State Wife of the President Oluremi Tinubu visits to pay her condolence.

She proceeds to the new banquet hall of the Government house Makurdi where she meets with relevant stakeholders and makes a significant donation on behalf of council of the renewed hope agenda initiative.

Earlier State Governor Hyacinth Alia while appreciating the show of sympathy by the first family renewed his call for the establishment of State police.

Chairman State Council Of Chiefs the Tor Tiv Orchivirigh James Ayatse wants the killer terrorists flushed out of the State and neighbouring Nassarawa State.

He equally called for compensation for victims to rebuild their lives and return back to their ancestral homes.

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