Controversy Surrounds Appointment of New EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede by President Tinubu

 The nomination of Ola Olukoyede as EFCC Executive Chairman sparks legal debate over eligibility criteria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's appointment of Ola Olukoyede as the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has ignited a debate over its legality. Olukoyede's nomination follows the resignation of the suspended EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa.

Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, clarified that Olukoyede's appointment is pending Senate confirmation and is initially for a renewable four-year term. Additionally, Muhammad Hassan Hammajoda was approved as the Secretary of the EFCC, subject to Senate confirmation, for an initial renewable term of five years.

However, concerns have been raised regarding the legal basis for Olukoyede's appointment. Section 2(3) of the EFCC Act 2004 stipulates that a chairman must be a serving or retired member of a government security or law enforcement agency not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, with a minimum of 15 years' experience.

Ngelale defended the appointments, citing section 2(3) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act 2004, which vests the president with the authority to make such appointments. He described Olukoyede as "A lawyer with over 22 years of experience as a regulatory compliance consultant and specialist in fraud management and corporate intelligence." Ngelale argued that Olukoyede's extensive background in EFCC operations, including previous roles as Chief of Staff and commission secretary, fulfills the statutory requirement for the chairman's position.

Tinubu emphasized the new EFCC leadership's role in the government's anti-corruption efforts, a central aspect of the president's "Renewed Hope" agenda.

Ngelale also provided details about Muhammad Hassan Hammajoda, highlighting his expertise in public finance management, academic qualifications, and career progression from academia to the banking sector.

However, ActionAid Nigeria's Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, expressed concern over Olukoyede's appointment, citing a potential violation of the EFCC Act. Mamedu emphasized that Section 2(3) of the Act outlines strict criteria for appointing the commission's chairman, demanding a background in government security or law enforcement agencies with significant experience. He called on the National Assembly to exercise its oversight powers and address any legal or procedural irregularities promptly, to uphold institutional integrity and the rule of law.