Kogi State Assembly Demands Immediate Removal of EFCC Chairman

The Kogi State House of Assembly has called for the immediate removal of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This call stems from alleged attempts on the life of the state’s former governor, Yahaya Bello, as well as ongoing threats to the current Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo. During a plenary session, lawmakers condemned what they termed as the EFCC’s “unjustified assault” on the Kogi State Government Lodge, an incident they claim has escalated tensions between the state and the anti-corruption body.

Led by Honorable Aliyu Yusuf, Kogi State Assembly expressed deep concern over recent incidents involving the EFCC, particularly those that occurred on April 17 and September 18. The House of Assembly formally classified these incidents as assassination attempts, heightening security concerns surrounding the leadership in Kogi State.

Legislators Condemn EFCC’s Alleged Assassination Attempts

The Kogi State lawmakers took a firm stance during the plenary session, characterizing the actions of the EFCC as an “affront to the people of Kogi” and an attack on their sovereignty. The lawmakers referred to specific incidents that took place at the Governor’s Lodge, claiming that the unprovoked raid and subsequent firing of live ammunition within a diplomatic residential zone had put the lives of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and his predecessor at risk.

Honorable Aliyu Yusuf, in his address, emphasized that these incidents reflect a pattern of behavior from the EFCC that demonstrates its growing disregard for the law. He noted that such conduct has serious implications, not just for the safety of state leaders, but for the broader rule of law in Nigeria.

Kogi State Assembly Cites EFCC’s Abuse of Power

In their resolution, the Kogi State Assembly strongly accused the EFCC of overstepping its authority, alleging that the anti-graft agency had “marinated in a sense of its own importance.” Lawmakers criticized the commission for acting as though it was “above the law,” unanswerable to any institution, including the presidency. According to Kogi State Assembly, the raid on the Kogi Governor’s Lodge was a demonstration of the EFCC’s unchecked power, raising questions about the agency’s accountability.

Kogi State Assembly’s resolution further highlighted the need for a re-evaluation of the EFCC’s mandate and the conduct of its chairman. They argued that such behavior poses a threat not only to the leadership in Kogi but also to the broader democratic principles that the country’s institutions are supposed to uphold.

Calls for Immediate Dismissal of EFCC Chairman

Following their condemnation of the EFCC’s actions, Kogi State Assembly resolved that the current EFCC Chairman should be immediately relieved of his duties. The lawmakers expressed disappointment with the leadership of the agency, accusing the chairman of gross incompetence and failure to uphold the rule of law. They urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the matter swiftly, stating that the chairman’s continued tenure would undermine the president’s anti-corruption agenda.

Honorable Aliyu Yusuf, speaking on behalf of the House, stressed that the EFCC’s behavior under its current leadership was damaging Nigeria’s international reputation and jeopardizing the safety of key political figures, including Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

Legislators Urge President to Appoint a More Competent EFCC Chairman

In their resolution, Kogi State Assembly called on President Tinubu to not only remove the EFCC Chairman but also to replace him with a more competent individual capable of restoring the integrity of the commission. They insisted that the new chairman must be someone who upholds the rule of law and possesses the competence necessary to lead the EFCC in fulfilling its critical anti-corruption mission.

The legislators emphasized that a change in leadership is crucial to ensuring that the EFCC can carry out its duties effectively, without political interference or abuse of power. They believe that such a move will reinforce the president’s commitment to a transparent and just anti-corruption fight.

Impact of EFCC’s Actions on Kogi’s Political Climate

The actions of the EFCC have had significant repercussions for the political landscape in Kogi State, where tensions between the state government and the federal anti-corruption body are at an all-time high. The alleged assassination attempts and raids have fueled distrust and heightened political anxiety in the state. Kogi State Assembly’s call for the removal of the EFCC Chairman is likely to further intensify the already strained relationship between the state and the commission.

Many in Kogi are now questioning the role of the EFCC in state matters, with concerns growing over the implications of its perceived overreach. As the situation continues to evolve, all eyes will be on President Tinubu’s response and whether he will act on Kogi Assembly’s demands to remove the EFCC Chairman.