Abuja: The Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Rafsanjani, has emphasized the critical role of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) in combating corruption in Nigeria. According to Rafsanjani, without the efforts of these agencies, impunity would have been rampant across the nation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Rafsanjani highlighted that the anti-graft agencies have been instrumental in reducing impunity, which would have otherwise led to a severe crisis characterized by looting, stealing, diversion, and misappropriation in the financial system. He noted that the presence of EFCC and ICPC has been crucial in minimizing the reckless behavior of some public office holders.
Rafsanjani commended the EFCC and ICPC for their work, acknowledging that their existence is necessary to maintain some level of order and to address financial leakages due to the fear of arrest and investigation. He praised the sacrifices made by these agencies, even at the risk of their own safety.
However, Rafsanjani pointed out the significant challenges faced by the agencies, which complicate their mission. He mentioned issues such as political interference, financial and budgetary constraints, and public misunderstandings as obstacles to their effectiveness.
Furthermore, Rafsanjani expressed concern over politicians’ attempts to influence the operations of the anti-corruption agencies, emphasizing that such offices are founded on public trust. He urged political figures to refrain from meddling in the agencies’ activities to allow them to function independently and effectively.