June 12 , Nigerians' Economic lives and the EFCC
June 23 2020 By Ayofe Samson
Ibrahim Magu
What has the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, done to improve the economic plights of Nigerians? This is a question many Nigerians are asking as they look back at the celebration of the June 12 Democracy Day and the EFCC's statement that the commission has recovered estates, aircrafts, and billions of Naira.
“Many Nigerians say they only hear about billions of Naira that has been recovered and that the recovery has no impact on their economic and no improvement in our lives because the recoveries have not been used substantially to better our lives”, said Adebunmi David, a radio reporter.
Stephen Jude, a teacher, believes that the EFCC plays little or no role in whatever becomes the economic situation in Nigeria, but that the commission's work is finding criminals in financial and economic crimes. He said It is evident from the country’s economic index and what people are saying about prevalent economic situation in the country that the economic situation of Nigerians has not improved under the current administration of President Muhammed Buhari, and that it is Buhari's responsibility to foist livable economic situation.
“Part of EFCC's job is to arrest and prosecute money launders, investigate people in all sectors who appear to be living above their means, and tackling other financial and economic crimes.The ICPC targets corruption in the public sector, especially bribery, gratification, graft and abuse or misuse of office. The two have different roles to play in sustaining our economy, not by attributing all to an agency whose roles are clearly known”, Jude.said.
Speaking further, Jude said “Everyone you talk to agree that corruption is so pervasive in Nigeria that it has turned the public service for many into a kind of criminal enterprise, denying Nigerians access to the most basic social service like education and health care. The EFCC is appreciated to some certain degree. But the appreciation is not by all Nigerians who think Mr. Magu is working directly under the influence of top politicians. However, contrary to the overt criticism of the government caused by the EFCC's statement on recoveries, many Nigerians are saying graft has fueled political violence, denied millions of Nigerians access to even the most basic health and education services and reinforced police abuses and other widespread patterns of human rights violations."
Olusegun Soboyejo, a refrigerator technician, said "The performance of EFCC on the lives of Nigerians cuts across ethnic and tribal variations. It is about what goes around that comes around. It gives our lives a sense of belonging and judgment. People are apparently tired of hearing so much money and wealth recovered from questionably wealthy Nigerians, while many Nigerians are living in poverty because of the government insensitive to the plight of ordinary Nigerians.”, said. Olusegun Soboyejo.
“The impact has been effectively positive by recovering of stolen assets in Nigeria and by arresting and prosecuting offenders”, said. Adebunmi David.
It is not clear why Magu chose the time of recognition of June 12 to announce the performance of his commission. It is no where situated that June 12 or the EFCC recoveries have impacted Nigerians economic life. However, observers think the commission's chairman may have used that opportunity to remind lawmakers that his appointment is still to be confirmed six years after he has been in office.
Ironically, Magu's unconfirmed appointment and his continued operation as chairman of the EFCC for over four years, is another anathema in a country under the rule of law. It is another thing hearing that the nation's attorney general, Abubakar Malami, has reportedly written President Buhari for the removal of Magu.
“Many Nigerians say they only hear about billions of Naira that has been recovered and that the recovery has no impact on their economic and no improvement in our lives because the recoveries have not been used substantially to better our lives”, said Adebunmi David, a radio reporter.
Stephen Jude, a teacher, believes that the EFCC plays little or no role in whatever becomes the economic situation in Nigeria, but that the commission's work is finding criminals in financial and economic crimes. He said It is evident from the country’s economic index and what people are saying about prevalent economic situation in the country that the economic situation of Nigerians has not improved under the current administration of President Muhammed Buhari, and that it is Buhari's responsibility to foist livable economic situation.
“Part of EFCC's job is to arrest and prosecute money launders, investigate people in all sectors who appear to be living above their means, and tackling other financial and economic crimes.The ICPC targets corruption in the public sector, especially bribery, gratification, graft and abuse or misuse of office. The two have different roles to play in sustaining our economy, not by attributing all to an agency whose roles are clearly known”, Jude.said.
Speaking further, Jude said “Everyone you talk to agree that corruption is so pervasive in Nigeria that it has turned the public service for many into a kind of criminal enterprise, denying Nigerians access to the most basic social service like education and health care. The EFCC is appreciated to some certain degree. But the appreciation is not by all Nigerians who think Mr. Magu is working directly under the influence of top politicians. However, contrary to the overt criticism of the government caused by the EFCC's statement on recoveries, many Nigerians are saying graft has fueled political violence, denied millions of Nigerians access to even the most basic health and education services and reinforced police abuses and other widespread patterns of human rights violations."
Olusegun Soboyejo, a refrigerator technician, said "The performance of EFCC on the lives of Nigerians cuts across ethnic and tribal variations. It is about what goes around that comes around. It gives our lives a sense of belonging and judgment. People are apparently tired of hearing so much money and wealth recovered from questionably wealthy Nigerians, while many Nigerians are living in poverty because of the government insensitive to the plight of ordinary Nigerians.”, said. Olusegun Soboyejo.
“The impact has been effectively positive by recovering of stolen assets in Nigeria and by arresting and prosecuting offenders”, said. Adebunmi David.
It is not clear why Magu chose the time of recognition of June 12 to announce the performance of his commission. It is no where situated that June 12 or the EFCC recoveries have impacted Nigerians economic life. However, observers think the commission's chairman may have used that opportunity to remind lawmakers that his appointment is still to be confirmed six years after he has been in office.
Ironically, Magu's unconfirmed appointment and his continued operation as chairman of the EFCC for over four years, is another anathema in a country under the rule of law. It is another thing hearing that the nation's attorney general, Abubakar Malami, has reportedly written President Buhari for the removal of Magu.
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