Adejoh Bilkisu
A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) focused on anti-corruption and good governance has strongly criticized the actions of several state governors, warning that their efforts undermine Nigeria’s fight against corruption and threaten the financial autonomy of local governments a key pillar of grassroots democracy.
During a joint press conference in Abuja, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), condemned the legal actions initiated by 16 state governors to challenge the authority of anti-corruption bodies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
The governors have filed a suit at the Supreme Court, seeking to strip these agencies of their powers at the state level.
“These governors are hiding behind legal technicalities to challenge the legality of institutions like the EFCC, which has effectively operated for over two decades under Nigerian law. Their actions undermine the anti-corruption fight and send a dangerous message that accountability can be sacrificed for political convenience,” Rafsanjani said.
The suit, slated for hearing on October 22, 2024, seeks to prevent the EFCC and NFIU from issuing directives or investigating funds allocated to state and local governments. The governors argue that the EFCC Act is unconstitutional because it was not ratified by state Houses of Assembly, citing Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution related to treaties.
However, Rafsanjani refuted this argument, stressing that the EFCC Act is a national law designed to combat corruption, not a treaty.
He warned that Nigeria risks being blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which has already placed the country on its grey list for non-cooperation in global efforts against money laundering.
The coalition, which includes 43 prominent CSOs such as Yiaga Africa, Connected Development (CODE), Amnesty International Nigeria, BudgIT Foundation, and the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) etc, called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to impose sanctions on any governor violating the financial autonomy of local governments.
The CSOs noted that a recent Supreme Court ruling affirmed the financial independence of local governments, which is crucial for delivering essential services and fostering grassroots development. Despite this ruling, some governors continue to interfere with local government finances and have introduced bills to undermine the court’s decision.
Speaking further, Hamzat Lawal, Chief Executive of Connected Development CODE, emphasized that the fight against corruption is a collective responsibility.
“Institutions like the EFCC, ICPC, and NFIU are essential to winning this fight. Any attempt to render these institutions ineffective is a disservice to Nigeria,” Lawal said.
He called on the governors to withdraw their lawsuit and work collaboratively with anti-corruption agencies to promote transparency and accountability in their states.
He also urged the government to strengthen these institutions by providing them with the necessary resources and ensuring their independence.
“We reject any attempt to weaken Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework and call on all Nigerians to join us in defending the integrity and effectiveness of these agencies,” the coalition declared.
They expressed acall for action from all arms of government executive, judiciary, and legislature to reinforce the country’s anti-corruption efforts for the benefit of all Nigerians.
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