Date Published: 12/02/09

Anti Corruption Crusade: Special Courts, The Way Forward

In 2003, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, was established as a law enforcement agency to investigate financial crimes such as advance fee fraud (419 frauds) and money laundering, and other financial crimes. The EFCC tracks illicit wealth accruing from abuse of office, especially attempts to integrate such wealth into the financial system.

Corruption has been identified as the bane of Nigerians development and well discussed in various forums which now raise the need for special attention in which the previous administrators have done their bit through by establishing the code of conduct bureau, ICPC and later the establishment of the vibrant EFCC. 

Since the establishment of the Commission, we cannot take away the fact that EFCC has been doing exceedingly well in fighting corruption. Looking back at what the Commission has achieved so far based on statistics e.g. recovery of bank loans, Money laundry and especially the recent Bode George’s conviction to mention but a few.

We should, therefore, not turn deaf ear to the EFCC Chairman Mrs. Farida Waziri’s clarion call for the setting up of Special Court to speedy corrupt cases in other to achieve justice within a reasonable time frame. Also the recent position of ICPC chairman Justice Ayoola in calling for emergency powers for anti-graft agency in dealing with corruption cases is timely. This means we need to expedite action in call for Special Courts.    

Though, many have raise the issue of non functionality of such Special Courts, but I sure know that it will take Nigerians away from our present embarrassing situation where cases go on for years even without hearing or leaving the plea stage. It is even more embarrassing for our judicial system, the legislative and the executives; I think all these bodies should take a positive step which should be supported by the Nigeria masses and the various civil society organizations that are at the receiving end of corruption.

It is my candid opinion that anything short of this might not take Nigeria out of the present corrupt situation or dilemma of discussing corruption as a bane of Nigeria even  in the next generations to come.

SHEYI OLUSHEYI

LAGOS