The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a leading anti-corruption agency, has expressed concerns regarding the suspension of EFCC chair Abdulrasheed Bawa by President Bola Tinubu.

HEDA said the action, taking place within a month of Mr Tinubu’s assumption of power, could decapitate the EFCC and send the wrong signal about Nigeria’s fight against corruption.

Last week, the new president suspended Mr Bawa from office to allow for a proper investigation into his conduct as EFCC boss.

But in a press statement signed by HEDA’s chair Olarenwaju Suraju, the anti-corruption group stressed that Nigerians were in the dark regarding the anti-corruption agenda of Mr Tinubu’s government to fight graft.

According to HEDA, the circumstances surrounding past and current government officials, particularly those in public office the EFCC summoned, have not been adequately addressed. Instead of investigating these matters, the government chose to suspend the EFCC boss, signalling a lack of genuine interest in addressing corruption issues from both past and present administrations.

Mr Suraju further expressed concern about the EFCC chief’s tenure, highlighting that no chairperson of the agency had left the office dignifiedly.

He stressed that this ongoing challenge lies with the individuals who assume office and lack the will to thoroughly investigate past administrations, resulting in the unceremonious removal of EFCC chairs as sacrificial lambs.

The anti-corruption advocate warned that such actions send a negative message to the EFCC and other groups fighting against corruption. 

“It has become almost customary for new governments to undermine the commission, further hindering the fight against corruption,” stated the HEDA chief.

HEDA has called for a transparent and comprehensive approach to tackling corruption, urging the new administration to prioritise the investigation of past cases and ensure the stability and effectiveness of the EFCC in its mission to combat corruption.

“As Nigerians await further clarification from the government, concerns grow about the potential setbacks in the fight against corruption and the need for a more robust and unwavering approach to eradicate this deep-rooted issue plaguing the nation,” the anti-corruption group stated.