Amendment of EFCC Act: We’ll be guided by public opinion – Tambuwal

By Daniel Eteghe & Okebugwu Chinomnso

Following the alleged plan to remove the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri, by the House of Representatives through the amendment of the EFCC Act,  2004, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal yesterday said that the House would seek the opinion of Nigerians before passing the bill into law.

Speaking with newsmen at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos, Tambuwal noted that the House would always be guided by the opinion of the public on its activities.

Asked if the Reps were planning to remove the EFCC boss, the speaker said: “This lady, who is replacing her? There is a debate on the floor of the House, it is not yet concluded”.

He however pointed out that Nigerians are always divided on every issue, adding that we could not have consensus on a particular issue.

The House had on Wednesday commenced  the move to amend the EFCC Act, 2004 to exclude former security officers from being appointed as chairman of the anti- graft agency on the grounds of what the sponsor of the amendment, Hon. Bassey Ewa, called the susceptibility of the occupant to be used as a political tool against perceived enemies.

The lawmakers also proposed that only a serving or retired justice of the Supreme Court or that of the Court of Appeal should be eligible for the position.