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NewsBawa's Suspension: AYCF Calls for Overhaul of EFCC

Bawa’s Suspension: AYCF Calls for Overhaul of EFCC

Bawa’s Suspension: AYCF Calls for Overhaul of EFCC

From: Femi Oyelola

48 hours after President Bola Tinubu approved the suspension of Abdulrasheed Bawa, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for alleged fraud and abuse of power, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has called for a total overhaul or dissolution of the Commission.

Yarima Shettima, the National President of the Forum, stated this in a statement made available to the media in Kaduna.

AYCF urged the President to replace the Commission with a more reliable anti-graft agency that can stand the test of time. They noted that the EFCC has been transformed into a money-making agency through plea bargains and used as a weapon for witch-hunting opponents. They believe that a new agency is necessary to regain the trust of Nigerians and restore Nigeria’s image before the world.

While commending President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Bawa, the group believes that this action is timely and will save more than just nine individuals. They accuse Bawa of consistently abusing his powers and office, engaging in various corrupt practices.

The statement also highlights Bawa’s failure, as Chairman of the EFCC, to comply with Section 7(2) of the Establishment Act 2004, which mandates the EFCC to combat economic and financial crimes, including prevention, investigation, prosecution, and punishment.

“We have been vindicated for our stance in calling for Bawa’s removal, and now the President has listened. This decision is courageous and exemplary, and we commend him for taking this bold and righteous step,” said Shettima.

The statement further mentions that the reasons behind their grievances are the same reasons why the Department of State Services (DSS) invited the suspended Chairman for questioning. These reasons include allegations of abuse of office, theft, and sale of confiscated petrol-bearing trucks at ridiculously low prices, as well as the alleged violation of the code of conduct for public officers by owning properties beyond his legitimate income.

According to AYCF, during Bawa’s tenure as Chairman, the EFCC failed to comply with court orders and issued contrary court orders to manipulate banks. They claim that the Commission interfered in corruption investigations to protect friends, allies, and family members, making money through plea bargains with the support of Bawa’s godfather and benefactor, the former Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Mallami Abubakar SAN.

“Abdulrasheed Bawa is egocentric, prioritizing the goals of his family, friends, and loved ones over the well-being of Nigerian citizens. He was never sincere in his fight against corruption, selectively targeting certain individuals while allowing bigger offenders to go free. This is in contrast to the United States government’s statement that the EFCC has largely succeeded in fighting corruption at lower levels,” the statement added.

“Bawa was a mistake; he was merely carrying out a witch hunt on the orders of his godfather, Mallami Abubakar SAN. In 2021, Bawa’s witch-hunting extended to President Tinubu himself, who was the former National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC). If it weren’t for divine intervention that brought President Tinubu to power, Bawa would have succeeded in tarnishing Tinubu’s reputation. He even attempted to order President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s arrest three times through the Commission’s Zonal head in Lagos, Mr. Ghali Ahmed,” the statement continued.

“Alhaji Yarima Shettima added that whatever crimes Bawa committed, he could not have done them alone. Therefore, his co-perpetrators and those who shielded him should also be invited for questioning by the DSS.” the statement concluded.

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