In a significant development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) welcomed a new leader on Thursday. President Bola Tinubu, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, announced the appointment of Mr. Olukoyede as the Executive Chairman of the EFCC. His appointment is renewable for a four-year term, subject to Senate confirmation.
This announcement stirred immediate reactions, sparking debates in both traditional and social media circles. The controversy surrounding Olukoyede’s appointment stems from various factors.
The EFCC, founded in April 2003, has become a prominent player in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. Its establishment was in response to concerns raised by the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering, which had classified Nigeria as one of 23 non-cooperative countries in the global fight against money laundering. President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration established the EFCC to address these concerns.
Olukoyede, who had served as Chief of Staff to former Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu and later as the Secretary to the Commission from 2018 to 2023, is not a newcomer to the EFCC leadership. However, his journey within the organization has been marked by challenges.
In July 2018, he was suspended in the aftermath of Ibrahim Magu’s removal and investigation. The suspension was linked to his appearance before the presidential investigation panel probing allegations against Magu, which included accusations of corruption and insubordination, as presented by the then Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami. Although this suspension was deemed a procedural measure to allow the panel access to relevant documents, there is limited public information regarding his return to office.
Olukoyede’s current battle revolves not only around his past but also his qualifications for the position of Chairman of the EFCC. The EFCC Act stipulates that the Chairman must be a serving or retired member of a government security or law enforcement agency, not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police or its equivalent, with at least 15 years of relevant experience.
Many voices have criticized Olukoyede’s appointment on the grounds that he does not meet these criteria. David Bwala, a lawyer and spokesperson for the Atiku Campaign Organization in the 2023 Presidential elections, argued that Olukoyede’s appointment is “unlawful and illegal” as he is not a serving or retired member of any security or law enforcement agency and lacks the required 15 years of experience.
Conversely, supporters of the appointment have referenced a Supreme Court judgment and argued that the EFCC Act’s provisions do not preclude private legal practitioners like Olukoyede from holding the position of Chairman. They contend that his experience, even in a legal capacity, aligns with the intent of the legislation, which seeks individuals with relevant expertise and authority.
The controversy surrounding Mr. Olukoyede’s appointment as the new EFCC Chairman reflects a complex and polarized perspective on the qualifications and eligibility criteria for this pivotal role. As this debate unfolds, the government and its critics will continue to grapple with the nuances of law and practice in the realm of anti-corruption leadership.