Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has warned religious leaders against insulting and castigating the government at all levels.

Mrs. Tinubu gave the warning at the opening ceremony of a four-day International Conference of the African Biblical Leadership Initiative scheduled to be held in Abuja.

The ABLI initiative, themed ‘Value-based leadership model for Africa,’ attracted several African and European leaders as well as global Christian leaders.

The National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of New Partnership for Africa’s Development, Princess Gloria Akobundu, who represented Remi Tinubu, urged religious leaders to preach peace and follow in the footsteps of Christ by fervently praying for leaders in power instead of abusing them.

She also lamented numerous challenges plaguing today’s leadership, especially in Africa.

She said, “To our spiritual fathers, I urge you to build and foster peace and Development as well as to pray for the government. Let us not curse, insult and castigate the government. Rather, speak the truth to the leaders and conscience of our citizens.

“Let us not equate ourselves to God, nor take His place, knowing fully well that God can use anybody to achieve his purpose and fulfil His agenda here on earth. Africa is at a crossroads, facing numerous challenges that require effective leadership.

“As Christian leaders, we must embrace a value-based leadership model that reflects the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. This model must be built on justice, integrity, wisdom and social harmony.”

Today, the Supreme Court is slated to deliver a crucial verdict on the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), following a lawsuit filed by 19 state governments.

These states contest the constitutional basis of the laws establishing the anti-graft agency.

This decision is eagerly anticipated by both the state governors and the EFCC, with significant implications for the agency’s operations across the nation.

The contention arises from a previous Supreme Court judgment in the case of Dr. Joseph Nwobike Vs. Federal Republic of Nigeria, where it was noted that the EFCC Establishment Act originated from a United Nations Convention against corruption.

The state governments argue that the enactment of the EFCC law in 2004 did not adhere to Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which requires any international convention to be ratified by a majority of state assemblies before being domesticated into Nigerian law.

This lawsuit, initiated by Kogi State and supported by states including Ondo, Edo, and Oyo among others, posits that the EFCC, as currently constituted, operates unconstitutionally in states that did not ratify the convention.

They argue that any actions by the EFCC in these states are therefore illegal.

The seven-member panel, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji will determine the suit.

On the defense, the EFCC expressed concerns that the challenge to its framework stems from entities affected by its anti-corruption efforts.

The EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren emphasized the necessity of the commission’s role in combating corruption during a recent interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.

Uwujaren said, “We are shocked by what is happening. Nigerians should see through this shenanigan and oppose it because I don’t see how this country can survive without the EFCC, given the kind of corruption problem that we have. Nigeria cannot do without the EFCC.

“I am worried that, with the kind of problem we have with corruption in this country, some people would go to court to challenge the legality of the EFCC.

“For citizens in their states, I am not sure that the EFCC is their greatest problem. I doubt that this is the case. What you see playing out is simply people who are feeling the heat of the work of the EFCC and who want to derail what is going on within the EFCC.

“They see the EFCC as a threat, which is what is playing out. I think Nigerians can see through the gimmick of those who are behind the challenge to the legality of the commission.”

The EFCC official noted that those behind the call for the overhaul were determined to “derail” the commission’s anti-corruption fight.

“So, people who are concerned about transparency and accountability will wish for the EFCC to be ‘killed’. Let me use the word ‘killed’ because that is the agenda.

“They simply want to derail the fight against corruption because they don’t want accountability in their domains,” he said.

The Deputy Leader of the Senate, Oyelola Ashiru, has challenged the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to charge anyone found with hard drugs in his house to court.

The Kwara Senator challenged the NDLEA to prosecute anyone arrested by its operatives in connection with illicit drugs.

The lawmaker made the challenge in response to an allegation on Monday by the NDLEA that discovered hard drugs in one of his houses in Ilorin.

Ashiru had last Wednesday in the Senate during a debate on a Bill seeking to establish a National Institute for Drug Awareness and Rehabilitation, said the “NDLEA is corrupt and already compromised.”

However, the NDLEA, on Monday, said it recovered illicit drugs from the personal residence of the Kwara South Senator, suggesting that the lawmaker’s recent criticisms of the agency stem from personal vendetta rather than genuine concern for the national interest.

The NDLEA Chairman, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (Rtd), countered the senator’s claims. He stated that Ashiru’s remarks were not motivated by altruism but rather by a desire to deflect attention from the agency’s findings.

Represented by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, Marwa emphasized that the agency would continue its efforts to dismantle illicit drug networks, including those operating from the senator’s property.

In a quick response, Senator Ashiru, in a statement through his special assistant, Olaitan Adeyanju, challenged the NDLEA to charge the culprits allegedly found in his house to court.

He said the exposure of the corruption in the NDLEA is responsible for the agency’s attacks on the lawmaker.

The statement reads in part: “The NDLEA claims to have discovered drugs in Senator Ashiru’s Ilorin house but there’s no information on which court of law the culprits were charged to.

“In fact, Senator Ashiru has been vocal about the NDLEA’s corruption and compromise, which might be the reason behind these allegations.”

The statement added that Ashiru didn’t send any aide to influence the dropping of drug allegations against Tosin Odepidian, and the names mentioned by the agency are unfamiliar.

“However, the Senator has challenged the agency to prosecute anyone that is found with illicit drugs,” he said.

An Immigration source at the Nigerian-Benin Republic border has confirmed the arrest of Nigerian crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky.

Bobrisky was arrested at the Seme border during passport checks on Monday, October 21.

An Immigration source told Premium Times that Bobrisky was arrested at midnight and detained until this morning and has been moved to the Lagos zone of the NIS in Ikeja.

The source said, “He was arrested at midnight and detained until this morning, and he’s currently being moved to the Lagos zone of the NIS in Ikeja. He gave his passport to someone to stamp it for him, so, the officer saw the name immediately among others and requested that he should come down from the vehicle.”

Bobrisky is embroiled in an ongoing investigation by a Committee of the House of Representatives, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Nigerian Correctional Service over allegations bordering on bribery.

Why We Arrested Bobrisky – FG Confirms Viral Report

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has confirmed the arrest of popular crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, at the Seme border while he was attempting to leave the country.

 NIS confirmed his arrest in a statement issued on Monday by DCI KT Udo, the Service Public Relations Officer.

The Service said the social media sensation is a person of interest over recent issues of public concern.

The statement read: “In keeping with its commitment to securing the borders, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) intercepted Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju otherwise known as Bobrisky at the Seme Border over an attempt to Exit the Country.

“The Service wishes to inform the public that OKUNEYE IDRIS is a person of interest over recent issues of public concern. He is undergoing interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate Authorities for further action.

“The Service assures the public that it will continue to be civil and professional in its statutory responsibility of manning the
Country’s Borders.”

Naija News reported that Bobrisky was arrested at the Seme border during passport checks on Monday, October 21.

Grammy-nominated Afrobeat musician, Femi Kuti has claimed that some of his family’s greatest enemies are members of their own ethnic group, the Yorubas.

He noted that his family does not adhere to tribalism as they were inspired by pan-Africanists during their upbringing.

Speaking at the 2024 Felaberation Festival in Lagos, he specifically mentioned former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the late business mogul, MKO Abiola, as significant adversaries of the Kuti family.

He warned his audience not to involve his family in any form of tribalism.

He said, “Brothers and sisters, something very important is going on in our lives; ethnic problems. You call it tribalism. Please, do not bring the Anikulapos in your stupidity.

“We grew up with Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Marcus Garvey, Patrice Lumumba, Mrs Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

“Pan-Africanism was the order of the day. So, I didn’t grow up being sentimental. I saw good people, bad people. I’ve got great European friends, I’ve got terrible European friends. I’ve got great African friends, I’ve got terrible African friends.

“One of our [the Kuti family’s] greatest enemies as you know are Yoruba people; Obasanjo or Abiola. We are not tribalistic in our family.”

Renowned economist, Pat Utomi, has stated that the National Assembly is the worst thing that has happened to the country.

Utomi lamented that the country is a failure because the political class and the elites, particularly the legal elite lack alternative thinking to turn things around.

He argued that the National Assembly, which should be the platform for robust debates to turn around the nation’s fortunes, has been captured.

Utomi shared his grievances during an interview with Punch.

He said it was baffling that the Nigerian political class failed to recognise that the nation was presently at war, requiring a war cabinet where almost everybody pulls together to fix the nation’s problems.

He said, “Nigeria is a failure right now; democracy is not working. We all know that; anybody who does not know that is fooling himself. We have total judicial capture; we have legislative capture, so there is no alternative thinking in the country.

“For me, the worst thing that has happened to the country is the National Assembly because that is where you should have the kind of debates that will lead you to options, but you can’t because the whole place is captured.

“These guys are just hustlers trying to get what they can out of the system without asking what will make the country work.

“When you have that kind of problem, you come to the point that James Robinson was making when he says a classic example is Nigeria which knows what to do but cannot seem to do it. You need, in a time like this, a certain kind of mindset.

“A local example is Olusegun Obasanjo in 1976/1977 when the oil crisis began to slide. He decided that we would go to low-profile mode. As head of state, his car was a Peugeot 504; he cut his travels.

“Anybody who watches the way people in power spend public resources cannot take seriously any statement that this is a time of sacrifice. So, the problem begins with them. Intense political commitment is not there.”

The economist added, “You cannot save an economy when the political actors are on a binge and you will not have the kind of consequences that you have today for the economy.

“It is an intensely political process to turn around the economy. The Nigerian political class needs to recognise that we are in a moral equivalence of a war. And when a country is at war, it pulls together. Nigerian politicians still think they are on a binge.

“So, they are all running in different directions, and nobody is sitting down to forge a national consensus on how to solve this problem. When you have the moral equivalence of war, what you need is to set up a war room, and war cabinet and bring everybody together to say, how do we fix these problems.”

Indications have emerged that the much-anticipated cabinet reshuffle by President Bola Tinubumay be announced soon, following a closed-door meeting on Monday with Hadiza Bala-Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination.

This meeting is seen as pivotal in determining the future composition of the cabinet, as the Policy Coordination office is tasked with establishing the criteria for evaluating ministers’ performance and deciding who will be retained or let go.

This responsibility was assigned to the office after the President’s retreat in November 2023, where ministers signed a “Performance Bond.”

The office has also developed a “citizens’ delivery tracker” aimed at gathering empirical data to assess the cabinet members’ effectiveness.

Details of the Monday meeting remain confidential; however, it comes at a critical time, with expectations that the President will not only reshuffle his current ministers but also appoint replacements for key positions that have recently become vacant.

Notably, Simon Lalong, the former Minister of Labour and Employment and President Tinubu’s Presidential Campaign Director General, resigned to take his seat in the Senate representing Plateau South Senatorial District.

Additionally, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management is currently without a minister following the suspension of Betta Edu amid scandals.

There is speculation about whether the President will retain this ministry or merge its responsibilities with those of the Ministry of Finance.

The Ministry plays a crucial role in developing humanitarian policies, coordinating national interventions, and ensuring disaster preparedness and response.

According to BusinessDay, significant appointment expected is the Minister to oversee the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development.

Prior to the President’s two-week annual leave, he expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of several ministers during a Federal Executive Council meeting, according to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

The President directed his ministers to enhance their engagement with the public regarding the achievements of his administration.

Onanuga noted that the Tinubu administration has achieved much in terms of policy initiatives, but added that the President was disappointed that much has been put into the public domain.

He said, “The President has directed the Ministers to engage more with members of the public, especially on the achievements of the current administration.”

Onanuga however could not say when the cabinet was going to be reshuffled, but stated that the President himself has given an indication of his plans to reshuffle the cabinet.

He further stated, “I cannot say exactly when he will reshuffle his cabinet, but the President has indicated his intention to reshuffle his cabinet.

“Whether that will happen before the 1st October, Independence celebration, I cannot tell.”

BusinessDay check indicated that the pressures from interest groups delayed the cabinet reshuffle as some pressure groups emerged to oppose the move.

Mustapha Audu, a Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress APC, while speaking on the issue, counselled the President to reshuffle his cabinet, adding that “50% of the Ministers are underperforming”

“A lot of non-performing members of the cabinet…More than 50% of the cabinet are non-performing. No one knows who they are, and it’s quite unfortunate. We expected so much more, so we expect that from Mr President.”

Audu stated, “In reality, the truth about it is that Nigerians are not feeling the Renewed Hope agenda- that’s just the truth of it.

“Two protests in the space of three months shows us that we’re not actually performing as we promised Nigerians that we would.

“It’s not about having just people occupying positions. You need people with vision, people with understanding, people who know what to do and how to go about doing it.

“Let’s hit the nail on the head, and let’s be direct. First of all, we expect a cabinet reshuffle, at the very least but some members of the Northern Elders Political Development Group, however, passed a vote of confidence on some of the Ministers, especially those from the northern part of the country.”

The group are of the opinion that the cabinet reshuffle was unnecessary a.s according to them, the Ministers have done well.

Adamu Giwa, the Secretary General of the group had given a pass mark to some of the Ministers, including; Farouk Dangiwa Housing, Abubakar Atiku Budget and Economic Planning, Mohammed Matawalle Defense, as well as Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff.

The group insisted that “Tinubu Ministers have performed creditably well” and charged the President to “concentrate on the fight against insecurity and economic reforms”.

Key figures in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are reportedly shifting their support from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, as their preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential elections.

This development emerges shortly after PDP governors successfully mediated peace among conflicting factions within the party.

Despite recent efforts to solidify unity within the party, sources close to the PDP National Working Committee, who lean towards Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, indicate a growing endorsement for Makinde’s candidacy.

This shift appears to be a strategic move to derail Atiku’s potential nomination, who has been criticized within party circles as a ‘serial contestant.’

Sources who spoke with Punch suggest that some party leaders remain resentful towards Atiku for allegedly mishandling the party’s campaign in the 2023 elections.

The dissatisfaction stems from his failure to reconcile with a group of five disgruntled governors who had demanded the resignation of the then-national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, contributing to internal rifts during a crucial election period.

The group, notably including Wike, Makinde, and former governors Samuel Ortom, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and Okezie Ikpeazu of Benue, Enugu, and Abia states respectively, had previously opposed Atiku’s candidacy in the last election cycle.

A source disclosed, “Every election cycle, you will be given a presidential ticket; you will bungle it. Look at the mess that he caused for us at the 2023 election. What was difficult in going to kneel before the aggrieved five governors (G-5) and winning the election for us?

“Now, it is one of those same men you cried about that is giving you a problem. He could have waited till after the election and deceived Wike as (former President Olusegun) Obasanjo did during his time. Atiku was not serious and sincere about winning that presidency.”

A few members of the NWC, who did not want to be identified, also felt Atiku was always seeking to experiment with the PDP and had not shown enough zeal to win it, following the manner he handled his differences with the camp of Wike and the other four governors during the intrigue of Ayu-must-go campaign.

They also feared that he may no longer be a sellable candidate in 2027 because of his age, hence the need for a younger and more vibrant candidate like Makinde.

“The same (Iyorchia) Ayu he was protecting told us during the campaign that both Atiku and Tinubu are his friends. But you were there playing politics like a greenhorn.

“Just because of Ayu, you sacrificed five governors. There was no way those five governors would not have changed the story for us. We lost the presidential election by less or a little over one million votes.

“That is why we are seeking a way out. Nobody can just be coming and using the PDP to experiment every four years. For now, we are supporting Seyi Makinde. Let this aspiration go to the South West this time. Makinde has shown capacity. He is a Christian and a Southerner.

“Let us try the other side of the country for a change. Seyi is young and vibrant. He can connect with both the young and old. We only need to get a powerful northern candidate for him, and he is good to go,” an NWC member disclosed.

When quizzed on how the narrative moved from talks about the chances of Atiku working together with Peter Obi, who many thought would defect from the Labour Party in the wake of the leadership crisis rocking his party, the PDP chieftain said the former LP candidate was not willing to take the bait.

He said, “On Obi, I can tell you he has not made up his mind to come to the PDP. If he decides today, the equation may change. For now, he is still with the Labour Party.”

Meanwhile, Makinde has openly declared that he is qualified to contest and would push for the 2027 presidential election agenda when the time is right.

Speaking with reporters during a visit to Fashola farm in Oyo town on Friday, Makinde stated that speculations about his political future were unnecessary and unsolicited.

The governor stated that “he is old enough to speak for himself on any issue without fear or intimidation,” adding that he would do so publicly if he had anything to say about his political future.

The governor also cautioned Nigerians against allowing the country to slide into a one-party state.

The former VP’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, in his reaction said that they are not under any form of pressure over the choice of Makinde as was being speculated.

According to him, people should focus on how Nigerians would overcome the current hardship in the land, rather than talk about who should be given the presidential ticket for 2027.

He said, “Who is threatened? We are talking about how Nigerians will survive the economic problems they are facing, some people about 2027. Is it not too early? We are concerned about the welfare of Nigerians. We are not bothered about their machinations.

“It is only a man who doesn’t have the interest of Nigerians at heart that will be talking about 2027, especially when people are dying every day. We are not ready for that drama.”

Today, October 22, is the day that has been set aside by the Supreme Court of Nigeria for the hearing and the consolidation of the suit brought before the Court in the matter between 16 states of the Federation and the Attorney General of the Federation to determine the legality or otherwise, to wit the constitutionality or otherwise also, of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Proceeds of Crimes Act. The suit originally filed by the AG Kogi State- SC/CV/178/2023 - has now been joined by 15 other states. Out of these, 13 are expressly questioning the legality of the EFCC and similar anti-graft agencies, and they are asking the Supreme Court to nullify all such commissions created outside the province of Constitutional provisions. Two states – Ogun and Cross River States are challenging the assumed powers of the NFIU to dictate how much states can withdraw or control with regard to funds appropriated by the House of Assembly.  The co-plaintiffs and those who seek consolidation will appear today before a seven-member panel of the apex court led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji. This is an interesting development, with regard to the public interest law dimension of the case, and the response from the public and stakeholders have been robust, plus the fact that the enabling framework for public institutions and the Constitution itself end up being strengthened when they are tested and interpreted in the courts. 

The issues in this case can be easily summarized as follows. One, the plaintiffs argue that the EFCC Act is unconstitutional. It is a product of a United Nations Convention against corruption, and was not ratified in accordance with Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Section 12 of the Constitution says no treaty can have the force of law in Nigeria until it is ratified by a majority of all the Houses of Assembly in the Federation. The states argue that the EFCC Act cannot be applied to them because they were not party to it. They argue that the agencies lack the powers and the authority to investigate and prosecute matters related to the misappropriation of public funds. They cite Joseph Nwobike vs FRN as the authority to back up their claim.  The Defendant, the Attorney General of the Federation argues that the concurrence of the states as stakeholders was not necessary to make the EFCC Act valid.  Two, at least three states argue that the NFIU cannot investigate, requisition documents, arrest, or invite anyone with regard to how the states manage funds. Three, the states insist that they have the right to establish their own anti-graft agencies and not be answerable to any federal agency since this is a Federation.  

The case has generated considerable interest from both lawyers and non-lawyers alike with everyone trying not to pre-empt the Supreme Court. But the point has been well made that this is not the first time that the legality of the EFCC, and the NFIU et al. has been raised and that there are precedents.  Analysts have cited the cases of Olafisoye v. FRN (2004) where the court upheld the powers of the anti-corruption agencies to do their work, and AG Ondo State v. AG Federation (2002) where the court ruled that the National Assembly has the powers to legislate on corruption related matters with regard to Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution, and Section 4(2). In Olafisoye’s case, the Supreme Court ruled that the National Assembly has the exclusive powers to legislate over corruption matters which would seem to nullify the claim by the states that they would rather establish their own anti-graft agencies. The objection to the NFIU is rooted in the desperate attempts by the states to control local government funds and defeat the goals of financial autonomy for local councils. In 2019, the state governments had a running battle with the NFIU which had given a directive that no state government must touch funds meant for the local councils. The NFIU gave specific guidelines that the states should transfer funds meant for the councils accordingly and that withdrawal from the same account by the local councils must not exceed N500, 000 per day. Withdrawals must also be duly reported to the NFIU. The Governors insisted that the states-local councils joint account is a creation of the constitution and it was wrong to describe the local government system as a third tier of government. The Nigerian Governors Forum sued the FG and NFIU. In 2022, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja ruled in favour of the defendants. Again in 2024, the Supreme Court further affirmed the financial autonomy of the country’s 774 local governments. It is therefore not surprising that the states and the Governors who have turned the local councils into mere appendages are now also approaching the Supreme Court. In both major issues, the plaintiffs seem to have found a loophole in the enabling acts of the anti-graft agencies which they hope to put through the furnace of judicial test. 

Two legal luminaries, both Senior Advocates of Nigeria – Dr. Olisa Agbakoba and Mr. Femi Falana have offered their perspectives on the subject. Agbakoba, in separate letters titled “Re: Urgent Legislative Attention on Constitutional Reforms Relating to Law Enforcement Agencies and Anti-Corruption Efforts” written to the Senate and the House of Representatives, without holding brief for the state governments, submitted that the EFCC was “unconstitutionally established” and hence, “an unlawful organization”. He said the National Assembly acted ultra vires, simply exceeded its authority under Section 4 of the Constitution, and that is why the states are challenging the validity of the EFCC. Agbakoba SAN made specific demands: (a) that the enabling framework setting up the EFCC has to be reviewed because the EFCC appears to be working at cross-purposes with the Nigeria Police Force; (b) that the National Assembly should organize a public hearing to consider constitutional issues to discuss needed reforms in line with section 13 of the Constitution; (c) that the National Assembly should reform the EFCC by clearly defining its mandate to prevent future abuses.   When he appeared on Arise News flagship programme, The Morning Show, Agbakoba went a step further, by reminding everyone that the EFCC legislation was passed in two days in 2003- the fastest legislation ever passed in Nigeria (!), and many mistakes were made. He wants the mistakes in the EFCC Act reviewed. But the high point of the interview was when Dr. Agbakoba, saying the EFCC has not been effective, railed: “These guys are terrorists; in my view they terrorize us; they use their might in their red coats to terrorize us. Once you say EFCC, you are scared. That is not what a law enforcement agency should be. They ought to be better.”

Femi Falana SAN, disagrees with some of the points raised by his brother Silk. He has also written his own separate letters to the Senate and the House of Representatives to counter Agbakoba’s submissions. He said that contrary to Agbakoba’s claim, the Supreme Court has consistently supported the ICPC and the EFCC (Nyame vs. FRN; AG Ondo vs. AG Federation); and that no illegality can be established with regard to claims about violations of the principles of federalism (Olafisoye vs FRN). Falana further contends that it is the duty of the state to “abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power” and that the EFCC is a common agency with constitutional authority. He deplores the attempt by the state governments to frustrate the prosecution of public officers. Falana’s main conclusion is that the National Assembly should entrench the legality of the EFCC and ICPC in the Constitution as part of the ongoing Constitution amendment process – a point to which Agbakoba says he concurs. 

Having thus raised the facts of the case, the issues involved, rules as established in precedents, and expert opinions of senior counsel, it remains for us to await the ruling of the Supreme Court exercising its original and inherent jurisdictions in what is clearly a matter of public policy. Despite the precedents that have been quoted, it is up to the Justices of the apex court to either affirm or reverse themselves. Nonetheless, certain conclusions can be reached. 

It must be remembered that in 2003, Nigeria was heavily in debt to the tune of about US$35. 9 billion. The Obasanjo administration embarked on the historic and important mission of getting debt relief for the country. The country was spending more on interest payments for its debt, with debt to GDP ratio at about 58%. Nigeria needed help and President Obasanjo was committed to getting help to rescue the country. In October 2000, the Obasanjo administration established the Debt Management Office (DMO). The country’s efforts to secure debt relief soon met a brickwall, when the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey-listed Nigeria along with 22 other countries, that is countries that could not combat financial crimes like corruption and money laundering as well as terrorism financing. To make progress the Nigerian government had to set up anti-corruption agencies - the EFCC and the ICPC. Both bodies were products of expediency, but the outcomes were pleasant. In October 2005, Nigeria and the Paris Club reached a final agreement of $18 billon debt relief and reduction of Nigeria’s debt stock by $30 billion. About 18 years later, it is most unfortunate that Nigeria’s external debt has since crossed the $41 billion mark! The country is back in the debt trap. In the intervening years, the EFCC traced about N776 billion fraud cases, stolen only by public officials. In 2024 alone, this year, the EFCC has secured 3, 175 convictions and recovered N156 billion. 

So, is this a case of corruption fighting back? Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson claims that there is a push-back against the EFCC because it has been so effective. We must note the concern that has been expressed however that the EFCC has been too histrionic in its efforts and selective in its operations creating the impression that it can be used as a tool of political witch-hunt by whoever is in power at the centre. Some past Governors are shielded from prosecution while some others are specially targeted. What the EFCC requires is to be seen to be fair to all parties concerned and be above board. Fairness is at the heart of any justice administration process. This is what Agbakoba SAN alludes to when he dismisses the EFCC as a terror organization. The National Assembly has been accused of not following due process in establishing the EFCC, but even if that were established, would that render all acts by the EFCC and other anti-graft agencies a nullity? Under the doctrine of covering the field, the validity of the exercise of the National Assembly’s powers under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution can be upheld. The state has a responsibility to check corruption, and over the years, we have seen the ingenuity of Nigerians in both public and private places to take what is not theirs. The closer many Nigerians get to the proverbial national cake, the more covetous they become. Agbakoba says “once you say EFCC, you are scared”. Well, the situation is so bad, somebody needs to scare Nigerians. Even with the best efforts of the various anti-graft agencies, Nigeria has consistently ranked poorly on the Global Transparency Index. The country grapples with a worsening reputational damage. 

We should therefore not throw the baby away with the bath water. Nigeria needs the anti-graft agencies now more than the country did in 2003. Indeed, in February 2023, the FATF added Nigeria again to the list of countries that have been grey-listed. The country is required to implement an action plan comprising 19 items before May 2025 to avoid the certain prospect of moving from “the Grey List” to the “Black List.”  This certainly is not the best of times for Nigeria to start talking about nullifying its anti-graft agencies. Perhaps, the better option lies in the middle ground between Agbakoba and Falana. 

Agbakoba is right when he says the EFCC is in urgent need of reform. The agency must be seen to be acting always within the ambits of the law. In recent times, EFCC officials showed too much overzealousness, exposing the institution to public ridicule and the derision of the persons they had declared wanted. For example, the former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello who had been declared wanted by the EFCC showed up at the EFCC headquarters only to be told by the people who had declared him wanted locally and internationally to go back home. Then, in the evening of the same day, they went hunting for him, shooting in the air, and terrorizing the public. Just in case there are too many people in the EFCC who are addicts of Hollywood and Nollywood films, they should be re-directed to where they can make the best use of their talents. Such persons tend to turn EFCC operations into movie-like engagements. Nollywood is a fast-growing industry that can accommodate more talents. The EFCC should stay firmly on the path of professionalism. 

Both Falana and Agbakoba agree that there is a need to “constitutionalize” the EFCC. This is important. Whatever grey areas may exist in the enabling acts of the anti-graft agencies can be corrected through amendments to constitutional provisions and the acts. The EFCC, ICPC, NFIU should see the latest development not as evidence that they are working so that is why they are being resisted. This should be an opportunity for soul-searching and reflection, and a re-dedication to core organizational goals and objectives.  Nigerians are calling for the abolition of the agencies because of shortcomings that they have observed. EFCC officials are known, for example, for engaging in all kinds of tactics. At a point, the EFCC Chairman himself had to complain that there are corrupt elements in the EFCC. Going forward, EFCC officials must be made to declare their assets. People fighting corruption must not be seen to be living above their means. Many Nigerians wonder why anti-corruption agents become so rich.  This was how the police lost the trust of the public. EFCC officials must focus on their core task of fighting financial and economic crimes. They should not allow themselves to be used as debt recovery agents looking for commissions. They must stop media trial. They must stop supporting politicians as they were accused of doing in the last general elections. There is a Manual on operational guidelines for the EFCC prepared by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. They must abide by those guidelines, and resist the temptation to become an organization where anything goes. The EFCC needs its own ombudsman to make it more professional, ethical and law-abiding.   

Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), an organisation founded by Bezos Earth Fund, the Rockefeller Foundation and Ikea Foundation, are piloting a solar mini-grid programme in Nigeria to address unreliable electricity and boost productivity.

Bezos Earth Fund was founded by Jeff Bezos, a United States billionaire, and the Rockefeller Foundation was established by the late American industrialist, John D. Rockefeller, while the Ikea Foundation was formed by the late Swedish businessman, Ingvar Kamprad.

In a report on Monday, Bloomberg said GEAPP, formed in 2021, has a programme, demand aggregation for renewable technology (DART), which lowers solar equipment costs by pooling developers’ needs and also offers a $25 million financing facility for equipment imports, repayable in naira.

Speaking during an interview at one of the project sites in Ogun State, Muhammad Wakil, GEAPP’s country delivery lead, said the pooling arrangement provides savings of up to 30 percent for developers.

“GEAPP provides grants, loans, and technical assistance to mini-grid developers, taking advantage of a government rule introduced last year that allows mini-grids to operate alongside national grids. This programme’s success has led the World Bank to pledge $130 million for similar facilities,” Wakil said.

“The site in Ogun State is a one-megawatt solar mini-grid built by Darway Coast, a Nigerian mini-grid company. By the end of the year, it will provide the local community with 24-hour electricity, replacing the eight hours currently supplied by Ikeja Electric Plc.”

The publication also reported that GEAPP helped build the first interconnected mini-grid in December in Nigeria, adding that two more are under construction, with funding available for a fourth.

The facilities, according to the report, are operated by private developers and supplement the limited hours of supply from the national grid to power businesses and homes continuously.

‘NIGERIA NEEDS THOUSANDS OF SIMILAR PROJECTS TO ELIMINATE ENERGY POVERTY’

Wakil said thousands of similar projects are needed across Nigeria to eliminate energy poverty.

He explained that, initially, GEAPP aims to build a pilot project in each of the regions served by Nigeria’s 11 power distribution companies (DisCos), with a long-term plan to facilitate 10 gigawatts of mini-grids, however, the programme complements efforts to establish mini-grids in areas without access to the national power grid.

“We need hundreds or thousands of these kinds of projects across Nigeria to end energy poverty,” Wakil said.

“We have shown it’s a viable business model.”

According to the report, Fatima Haliru, power purchase manager at Ikeja Electric, said everybody is open to creating energy and selling to customers based on the provision of the Electricity Act.

Haliru said instead of engaging Darway as competitors, “it’s better to engage them as partners”.