The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has urged the House of Representatives to strengthen the Economic Crimes Commission (EFCC) by ensuring that special courts are established for speedy dispensation of corrupt cases rather than dissipate energy on who should head the anti-graft agency.
The CNPP stated this in a statement made available Friday by its Publicity Secretary Mr. Osita Okechukwu.
The House had on Wednesday commenced the move to amend the EFCC Act to exclude all former ex-security officers from being appointed as the chairman of the anti-graft agency.
The sponsor of the amendment, Hon Bassey Ewa, claimed "the EFCC has become a political tool against perceived enemies," thus necessitating the amendment.
The lawmakers also proposed that only the serving or retired Justice of the Supreme Court or that of the Court of Appeal should be eligible for the position.
But the CNPP faulted the claim of the lawmakers, saying that there was no proof that the retired justice would perform better than ex-officers.
It also stated that what the lawmakers should support was the establishment of special courts and not the status of who would head the agency.
The CNPP added that the time had come for the House to decisively use its oversight function to accede to the request of the EFCC for the legislation of special courts which would assist the anti-graft agency in quick dispensation of justice.
It also reminded stakeholders that the EFCC under the retired ex-officers had performed better than the ICPC that was headed by retired jurists.
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