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Limit EFCC Power Only To Investigation, New NBA Chairman Suggests

NBA Chairman Mahmoud

The new President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abubakar Mahmud, has suggested that the Act setting up the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), limited its power only to investigation. He said that the commission`s mandate to prosecute should be handled by an independent highly resource prosecution agency.
Mahmud, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who spoke on Friday as he was being inaugurated in Port Harcourt, said: “the critical institutions involved must be repositioned, re-equipped and re-tooled to confront the problem of corruption on a consistent and sustainable basis.

“As a start, we commend the efforts of the Economic and Financial Crimes Institution for the work it is doing and for its modest achievements.

“However, going forward, the NBA must demand the reform of the institution itself. We need to define its mandate more narrowly and more clearly.

“In my view, its broad objective as an investigative and prose curial agency should be reviewed.

“I recommend strongly that the EFCC be limited to investigation.”

The NBA boss said that the anti-corruption committee would be mandated to develop clear recommendations toward enhancing the fight against corruption and improving the effectiveness of the agencies involved.

Mahmud said that the NBA would advocate urgent reforms that would reposition the judiciary and make it play crucial roles.

He said that a clean, efficient and knowledgeable judiciary, was a foundation for building orderly, peaceful and prosperous society.

“The NBA under my watch will fight judicial corruption. We shall make the legal profession unattractive for corrupt lawyers.”

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Mahmud wanted  the NBA to take active interests in the happenings in the North-East and Niger Delta Region, adding that the NBA would set up a North-East task force to assist members affected by the conflict, provide legal services to individuals and communities who were victims of the conflict and monitor human rights issues.

He said that the association would set up a Niger Delta task force to carry out similar assignments in the area, especially providing legal support to advise on general challenges to enhance environmental protection and quality of life.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, congratulated the NBA on the inauguration of its new executive committee, headed by Mahmud.

Buhari also commended the outgoing executive led by Augustine Alegeh for the resourceful exchange of ideas, commitment and support for national development.

The President urged the new NBA president to use his vast experience in private practice, and public service, which he garnered over the years, to build on the legacies of his predecessor and contribute to reforms across the country.

He said that he expects a strong and sustainable relationship between the presidency and the leadership of the Association, especially in jointly tackling the challenges currently facing the nation. [myad]

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