The Nigerian Senate has confirmed Abdulrasheed Bawa as the substantive executive chairman of the country’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The forty-year-old Bawa’s confirmation was done after a lengthy screening that lasted for over two hours and was presided over by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.
Lawmakers took a turn to ask Bawa critical questions as it relates to tackling corruption in Nigeria, his relationship with his predecessors, allegations of seized assets that were sold and his plans for the new position.
Bawa denied the allegation of selling recovered properties while heading the EFCC’s zonal office in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital and stated that he has a good relationship with his predecessors.
President Muhammadu Buhari had last week conveyed a letter to the Senate seeking Mr Bawa’s confirmation as the EFCC chairman.
President Buhari’s media aide, Femi Adesina, who made the first announcement on February 16, said the nominee is a trained EFCC investigator with vast experience in the investigation and prosecution of advance fee fraud cases, official corruption, bank fraud, money laundering, and other economic crimes.
According to Adesina: “He has undergone several specialised training in different parts of the world, and was one of the pioneer EFCC Cadet Officers in 2005. He holds a B.Sc degree in Economics, and a Masters in International Affairs and Diplomacy.”
When he assumes the position, Bawa will become the youngest man to head the EFCC and the first EFCC chairperson not to have been a police officer.
By Abel Ejikeme
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