Tinubu’s Choice For EFCC Chair Sparks Debate
Olanipekun Olukoyede's Appointment Raises Questions on Qualifications
In a move that has stirred considerable debate, President Bola Tinubu is reportedly on the verge of appointing Olanipekun Olukoyede as the substantive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This decision, which is expected to be announced imminently, has been met with mixed reactions, primarily due to concerns surrounding Olukoyede’s qualifications for the role.
Olukoyede, a legal professional, had previously served as the secretary of the EFCC for two years during the tenure of Ibrahim Magu, the commission’s former acting chair. Both Olukoyede and Magu faced suspensions from their respective positions in 2020, initiated by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, and neither was reinstated. Prior to his role as secretary, Olukoyede held the position of Magu’s chief of staff.
The recent suspension of Abdulrasheed Bawa as EFCC chair by President Tinubu in June added another layer of complexity to the situation. Bawa’s suspension, which was attributed to “serious allegations of abuse of office,” led to the appointment of Abdulkarim Chukkol, the then director of operations, as the acting chair. Since his suspension, Bawa has been detained by the State Security Service (SSS) and is currently under investigation for corruption allegations. Reports suggest that Bawa has consented to officially resign from his position.
However, the primary point of contention remains Olukoyede’s qualifications. The EFCC Act of 2005, specifically Section 2(3), mandates that a chairman of the commission should either be a serving or retired member of a government security or law enforcement agency, holding a rank not below that of an Assistant Commissioner of Police or its equivalent. Additionally, the individual should possess a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience. Critics argue that Olukoyede, having served in predominantly administrative roles within the EFCC for less than ten years, does not meet these criteria.
Furthermore, the appointment of Olukoyede would mark a significant departure from tradition, as he would be the first EFCC chairman hailing from the South. This decision, which requires Senate confirmation, is anticipated to generate substantial discourse in the coming days.
In related news, Omoyele Sowore, a two-time presidential candidate, has called on President Tinubu to release Bawa “without further delay,” citing the absence of charges against Bawa and suggesting political motives behind his detention.
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