Appointing EFCC, ICPC Chairmen From Same Geopolitical Zone Unlawful – Femi Falana

Human rights lawyer Mr. Femi Falana has stated that the appointment of chairpersons for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) from the same geographical zone goes against the Federal Character Principle and is unlawful. Falana made this assertion during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program.

He argued that if the EFCC chairman comes from the northern region, then the ICPC chairman should be selected from the southern region. The current chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, and the ICPC chairman, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, are both from the South-West geopolitical zone.

Falana criticized the appointment of Mr. Ola Olukoyede as the EFCC chairman by mentioning that he hails from the same South-West region as the current ICPC chairman. He emphasized that the government needs to consider the Federal Character Commission Act and Section 14 of the constitution, which both require appointments to reflect the principle of Federal Character.

He said if the chairman of the EFCC is from the northern region, the southern region should produce the chairman of the ICPC.

Falana said;

“If you are going to have the EFCC and the ICPC, the heads cannot come from same zone.” Falana told Channels TV on Monday, October 16.

The EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, is “eminently qualified” to head the anti-graft agency having previously served as Chief of Staff to the EFCC Chairman (2016-2018) and Secretary to the Commission (2018-2023) as well as having 22 years cognate experience.

“There is no issue; the only issue that has been raised has to be considered by the government is that we have in this country, the Federal Character Commission Act and also by the virtue of Section 14 of the constitution, appointments must reflect Federal Character.

“If you are going to have the EFCC and the ICPC, the heads cannot come from same zone. If there are two positions in the public service, one must go to the North, one must go to the South. If there are four, two must go to the South, two must go to the North. If there are six, one must go to each geopolitical zone. That is the law in Nigeria today.

“So, I am not comfortable with the fact that the heads of the EFCC and the ICPC are from the same zone. Apart from that, Mr Ola Olukoyede, is eminently qualified to head the EFCC. My colleagues who have criticised the appointment have not looked at the relevant provisions of the EFCC which is Section 2.”