By Gabriel Atumeyi
A Civil Society Organizations, Citizens Awareness Against Corruption and Social Vices Initiative, (CAACASVI) has called on the Senate to expedite the confirmation process of the newly appointed chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa.
According to the group, the appointment of Mr Bawa who is 40 years old will douse the agitation of the youth constituency which has long accused the government of marginalization.
It’s convener, Comrade Olumuyiwa Olende made the appeal at a news conference on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, in Abuja.
He recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari on February 16 redeemed one of his pledges to Nigerian youths by appointing Bawa as EFCC chairman subject to Senate confirmation.
He noted that though the development threw patriotic Nigerians into jubilation, especially those in the youth constituency, some persons were opposed to it and came up with allegations against him.
He added that Bawa was a core detective staff of the EFCC who joined the commission in 2005 and rose through the ranks.
“On the basis of that we believe the commission will not know him less and that has been confirmed by its official statement exonerating him from all allegations of fraud, bribery or unfair practices within and outside the commission,’’ Onlede said.
He added that the statement from the EFCC reaffirmed the authenticity of all integrity and security checks carried out by relevant government agencies on Bawa before his appointment was announced.
He, therefore, appealed to the Senate not to be intimidated in carrying out its constitutional duty, stressing that it should resist every scheming, politics and personal interests by some individuals to stall Bawa`s confirmation.
Onlede urged the Senate to uphold the principle of separation of power as enshrined in the amended 1999 Constitution and do the needful by speedily confirming Bawa`s appointment.
He expressed optimism in Bawa`s capacity to prove to Nigerians and the world that youths of the country were not only ready for power, but ready to deliver in governance at all level.
“We in the youth constituency see the appointment of Abdulrasheed Bawa by President Buhari as a well deserved appointment, most especially as it came with two merits.
“One is the fact that Bawa is only forty years old, hence justifying the long agitation for youth inclusiveness in governance.
“Secondly, he is a core staff of the commission who has distinguished himself in the cause of his service to his father land,’’ he said.
He added that this would definitely spare him of divided loyalty as was the case in the past when someone was appointed from outside to head the commission.
He expressed optimism that Bawa`s appointment as EFCC boss would be fruitful, adding that it would be a stepping stone for youths in taking over power at all level of governance.
Onlede while appreciating President Buhari for appointing Bawa, said his tenure would assist in defining the kind of country youths had always desired.
He also congratulated Bawa for his appointment and urged him to justify every indices and merit that gave him the appointment.
“We believe it is not yet time for long celebration but work, work and work for the good of Nigerians,’’ he said.