The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a strong warning against calls for the scrapping of the anti-graft agency.
This warning comes as about 16 state governors have taken the EFCC to court, questioning the legality of its establishment.
Wilson Uwujaren, the Director of Public Affairs at the EFCC, defended the agency’s crucial role in Nigeria during an appearance on Channels Television’s morning show, The Morning Brief.
Uwujaren expressed shock over the governors’ actions.
He stated, “We are really shocked by what is happening.”
He emphasized that without the EFCC, Nigeria would crumble under the weight of corruption.
“Nigerians should see through this shenanigan and oppose it because I don’t see how this country can survive without the EFCC with the kind of corruption problem that we have.”
The EFCC has been a significant force in Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
In the past year alone, it recovered over N200 billion and secured around 3,000 convictions.
Uwujaren claimed that those challenging the EFCC’s legality are feeling the pressure from the agency’s work.
He said, “I am worried that, with the kind of problem we have with corruption in this country, some people would go to court to challenge the legality of EFCC.”
According to him, these individuals view the EFCC as a threat.
“They see the EFCC as a threat, and purely that is what is playing out.”
Uwujaren urged Nigerians to see the bigger picture.
“Those who are doing this, I am not sure that for citizens in their states, the EFCC is their greatest problem. I doubt if that is the case.”
He accused the governors of trying to derail the fight against corruption.
“They simply want to derail the fight against corruption because they don’t want accountability in their domains,” he said.
The EFCC’s establishment is backed by Nigeria’s laws.
Uwujaren emphasized that challenging its legality would undermine the fight against corruption.
“People who are concerned about transparency and accountability will wish the EFCC to be killed. Let me use the word killed because that is the agenda.”
As the legal battle unfolds, the EFCC stands firm in its mission.
The Supreme Court is set to hear the governors’ lawsuit challenging the EFCC Act on October 22.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for Nigeria’s ongoing fight against corruption.
Many Nigerians support the EFCC’s work and believe it is essential for the country’s stability.
Uwujaren called on citizens to rally behind the EFCC.
He said, “Without the EFCC, I can’t imagine where Nigeria would be right now.”
The EFCC continues to encourage public support as it faces challenges from those who oppose its efforts.
“We will not be deterred,” Uwujaren stated, highlighting the commission’s commitment to its mandate.
As the nation awaits the Supreme Court’s decision, the battle against corruption remains a top priority for many Nigerians.
Uwujaren concluded, “We believe that the truth will prevail, and the EFCC will continue to serve its purpose.”
