Nigeria’s Anti-graft Agency gets new Chairman

Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde,
Acting Chairman of the EFCC

Nigeria’s Anti-graft Agency gets new Chairman
Lawan Hamidu, Abuja

The Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde as Acting Chairman/Chief Executive of Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Mr. Lamorde, an officer of the Nigeria Police, who was also Acting Chairman of the EFCC before Mrs. Waziri assumed duty, was until this appointment, the Director of Operations of the EFCC.

A statement signed by Dr. Ruben Abati, the President’s spokesman said the appointment was with immediate effect, which automatically relieves Mrs. Waziri of her position as EFCC Chairman.

Mrs. Waziri was appointed EFCC Chairman by Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on May 18, 2008 and confirmed by the Senate on May 27, 2008.

The Commission was established in 2003 to among others, prevent, investigate, prosecute and penalise economic and financial crimes in the country.

Amendment of EFCC establishing laws

The House of Representatives commenced moves to amend the laws establishing the EFCC on Tuesday, and the bill to this effect has passed second reading.

It seeks to reserve the headship of the EFCC to only retired judicial officers from the Supreme Court or Appeal Court, as is with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Meanwhile, the Senate last week frustrated an attempt to merge the two anti-corruption agencies-the EFCC and the ICPC.

The proposal has for now been referred for committee considerations, preparatory to a third and final reading.

Hauwa Abu/Hajia Sani