A Bill to Amend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ACT 2004 has Scaled Second Reading at the Nigerian Senate.
The bill seeks to among other things, Subject the termination of appointment of the Chairman of the Commission to the Confirmation of the Senate .
The Sponsor of the Bill, Senator Chukwuka Utazi , believes this amendment is necessary to ensure Job Security for the appointed chairman until the expiration of his or her tenure.
What is perceived to be a persistent witch hunt and attacks targetted at the office of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission may soon be over as the Nigerian Senate begin moves to control the process for the termination of the appointment of an incumbent chairman.
Leading the debate at Plenary, the Deputy Minority Whip of the Senate , Senator Utazi, tells his colleagues that the proposed amendment seeks to ensure Job Security, Continuity and Commitment of any Appointed Chairman of the Commission as deemed fit by the Nigerian Senate .
His colleagues who spoke in support of the bill , say this is a welcome development as it will end the perceived persecution against an appointed Chairman of the commission and further enhance the capacity of Efcc and the Federal Government in its fight against Corruption.
The Lawmakers unanimously supported the bill after it was put to a voice vote and it scaled through second reading.
The bill was referred to the Senate’s Committee on Anti Corruption for further legislative input and is expected to report back to the Senate chambers in 4 weeks.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was established under the administration of Former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2004 with Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as the pioneer Chairman of the commission.
He was removed from office in controversial circumstances during the Yar’dua administration while his replacement Farida Waziri and all Other subsequent Chairmen of the Commission were all removed from office in controversial circumstances.
