Why EFCC should not be scrapped- Fintri

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has expressed his belief that rather than abolishing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the agency should be reinforced to enhance its effectiveness. His comments follow a legal challenge brought to the Supreme Court by 16 state governors questioning the legitimacy of the laws that established the EFCC.

In an interview on Channels TV’s *Hard Copy* program on Friday, Fintiri stated, “At this juncture, it is not advisable to eliminate the EFCC, regardless of whether its establishment was appropriate or not. Our focus should be on improving its functionality. We must also work towards removing the political influences that sometimes lead to accusations of witch-hunting.”

The governor also took issue with the federal government’s practice of taking control of funds that are recovered from state-level corruption cases, labeling this approach as “a misguided practice.” He referenced a recent complaint from the Attorney General of Oyo State, who expressed frustration after a court session regarding the federal government’s tendency to question how state and local governments allocate and utilize their funds.

Fintiri pointed out that despite the revenue-sharing arrangement among the federal, state, and local government tiers, the federal government frequently exceeds its boundaries by intervening in how states manage their finances. “Even when funds are allocated, the Federal Government tends to absorb them into its own treasury. I firmly believe this practice should be brought to an end,” he remarked.

He emphasized the need for a more balanced approach to governance where each level of government respects the financial autonomy of the others. Fintiri’s stance highlights a growing concern among state leaders about the federal government’s influence over local financial matters, which they argue undermines their authority and ability to govern effectively.

In response to the ongoing legal challenge, the governor indicated that he would evaluate the suit further with his Attorney General before deciding whether to join the case. This careful approach underscores his commitment to ensuring that Adamawa State’s interests are adequately represented in the legal proceedings.

Fintiri’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among various state leaders who feel that the EFCC, while necessary for fighting corruption, requires reforms to function without political interference. Strengthening the commission, rather than dismantling it, appears to be a consensus strategy aimed at improving its operational integrity and restoring public trust in its role as a watchdog against financial crimes.

As the situation develops, the potential implications for governance and accountability in Nigeria remain significant, with many observers keenly watching how the legal challenge unfolds and what reforms may be implemented in response to the ongoing discussions about the EFCC and federal-state relations.