TheCable

In serious matters like this, there is no need to be coy. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has become a national caricature with its dismal performance and the seemingly endless conveyor belt of perfidy that sees chairman after chairman being pushed out in ignominy and in disgrace.

The EFCC’s record in court winnings is worse than that of a putrid and failing premiership team.

Records have shown that they have lost more cases than won, and the reasons are not very far and remain very obvious to the onlooker

The other day, a long list of prominent people under their investigation was released and it was amazing to see that all on that list were either in the senate or in various government houses all over the federation.

Sir, please note that EFCC was established to meet international best practices and to take Nigeria out of the FATF infamous Grey List.

We all remember that. Now Nigeria is back on the Grey List of non-conforming countries in the Comity of Nations.

EFCC must, therefore, come out with very sophisticated and refined leadership at this point in time to strengthen the fundamental reforms you are already putting in place.

You have already shown a great nack of identifying strategic ‘talent for purpose’ positioning, and this was your main weapon in emerging the very vision-driven leader that you were in Lagos

Much more recently, you have displayed this huge talent with the way your appointments as president have elicited joy and confidence in the country.

Videos of soldiers, police and customs all jubilating have been received with immense relief. This is a far cry from the recent past that has seen us with jaundiced positioning, which in effect led us to the worst kind of administration ever in the country.

Today, you have scored almost 100% in your appointee scorecard, putting very talented square pegs in well-fitted round holes, and this must continue with the EFCC.

The EFCC is very critical to the desired economic renaissance you are pushing. Let me tell you categorically that all your efforts will come to nought if the EFCC is hobbled.

To defray this, two things will have to be done — clemency on corruption. Draw a white line so that you don’t get bogged down with backwards-looking investigations that will go nowhere.

We really will not accept the “corruption is fighting back” mantra of the recent past administration

The second thing is to drive the appointment of the head of this very strategic institution by merit and capacity.

The Bawa journey was fraught with potholes that would have made watchers surprised if he had performed.

16th in hierarchy, lacking in experience and seeming maturity, and it’s no wonder that today he is a guest of the DSS

The time is now for you, sir, to look very critically at the EFCC hierarchy to enthrone merit and seniority.

The continued appointment of chairmen without resorting to the order of hierarchy kills motivation and distorts the natural order of things leading to ineffectiveness and a shallow push towards its obligations to the nation.

Also, appointing a policeman as chairman should be discontinued at least this time.

The EFCC is not an arm of the Police. It’s an independent organisation saddled with the duty of fighting financial crimes.

Yes, they must partner with the Police however the enabling law doesn’t say that it must always be a policeman at the helm

Let’s try one of the well-trained civilians who have the experience and capacity within the organisation for once.

My take is for Mr President to look very critically at the top three within the system and use very critical empirical methods to choose a new chairman

The reason is very simple. Within those three, you will see over 15 years of experience, you will see legal capacity, you will see an international network, and you will see patriotism

These small groups have witnessed the upheaval that has come with chairman after chairman driven by incompetence and its twin brothers — avarice and corruption

So Mr President, if your reforms are not going to be derailed by corruption, then you must kindly take my advice.

Thank you for your kind consideration.

God bless.