The Senate has confirmed Ola Olukoyede as the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Senate also confirmed Muhammad Hammajoda as the secretary of the commission.

The confirmation was sequel to the screening of the duo during plenary on Wednesday.

While answering questions from the lawmakers, Mr Olukoyede said, “We will do our work with utmost respect to the provisions of the law. We are going to be guided strictly by our mandate.

“There is no way you can fight corruption successfully without respect for the provisions of the law.”

Speaking on the issue of investigating political opponents, Mr Olukoyede said, “This is neither here nor there.

“There must be two salient questions that must be asked and answered: has the person committed a crime? Has he committed financial crimes? If he has, then I will have cause to investigate him.

“Whether you are in the ruling party and you deep your hands into what you are not supposed to deep your hands into, you will be called into question.

“The mandate that the EFCC gives us does not discriminate. This is where equity and justice come in, so you will not be seen as chasing a particular section.”

In his contribution, the Senate minority leader, Simon Mwadkwon, advised the new leadership of the commission not to be used as an instrument to fight political opponents.

“You have to tell this Senate that you must be immune from any politically high-profile person committing innocent financial crimes against them to deter them from achieving their right to contest elections.

“The only way you can prove to us that you are out to fight economic crimes is for us to see that transparency is in you,” said Mr Mwadkwon.

Confirming the appointment of Mr Olukoyede, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the EFCC had engaged more in sensationalism than in real investigation.

“We need to take a critical look at the EFCC and look at whether the act setting the EFCC even allows them to function.

“This hallowed chamber has the gavel, and we have the right to review the law setting up the EFCC for proper functionality and effectiveness,” Mr Akoabio said.

(NAN)