AYCF Call For Repudiation Of EFCC, ICPC In Favor Of State-Owned Anti-Graft Agencies

The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) has expressed deeply concern about the state of anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria, particularly in light of recent developments within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). 

AYCF in a statement through its President General Yerima Shettima believe that the current federal anti-graft agencies have failed to effectively combat corruption and calls for the establishment of state-owned anti-corruption bodies to address this critical issue.

He averred that the recent challenges faced by the EFCC, as highlighted by Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede, underscore the need for a new approach to fighting corruption in Nigeria, adding that the forum recognizes that the EFCC's reliance on procedural technicalities and its inability to operate in certain states due to court orders have hampered its effectiveness.This has led to a growing disillusionment with the agency's ability to deliver on its mandate.

"In light of these shortcomings, the AYCF said the forum supports the recent move by Lagos State to establish its own anti-corruption commission, separate from federal agencies like the EFCC and ICPC.

This decision represents a necessary step towards decentralizing anti-corruption efforts and empowering states to take control of investigations within their own borders. 

The AYCF said it also believed that state-led anti-graft agencies are better equipped to address corruption at the local level and act swiftly to hold perpetrators accountable and also acknowledge the concerns raised by other states, such as Kogi, where allegations of financial misconduct have raised questions about the EFCC's impartiality and effectiveness.

"The AYCF believe that the establishment of state-owned anti-corruption bodies will help address these concerns and ensure that corruption is tackled in a transparent and accountable manner.

We believe that this shift will lead to more effective and localized anti-corruption efforts, ultimately strengthening Nigeria's fight against graft". 

AYCF urges other states to follow Lagos' lead and take control of their anti-corruption initiatives to ensure a more transparent and accountable governance system.