5,000 Lawyers Back 19 Governors in Historic Lawsuit Against EFCC
A landmark lawsuit filed by 19 state governors challenging the constitutionality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has garnered support from over 5,000 lawyers.
The Judiciary Watchdogs, a coalition of legal professionals from across Nigeria’s 36 states, commended the governors for taking a bold stance. The lawyers argue that the EFCC’s enabling act was enacted without input from state assemblies, violating the principles of federalism and state autonomy.
In a statement signed by Barrister Real S. Dennis, co-national convener of the Judiciary Watchdogs, the group emphasized the importance of constitutional compliance and state sovereignty. According to Dennis, the governors are right to demand accountability from the EFCC and other anti-graft agencies, adding that such reforms would ensure more effective anti-corruption efforts. He criticized the EFCC for allegedly serving the political interests of successive administrations, rather than genuinely fighting corruption.
Dennis also highlighted that the National Assembly must ratify the United Nations Convention against Corruption under Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, a requirement that, he argued, has not been met.
The group warned that the outcome of the lawsuit could significantly impact Nigeria’s federal structure, anti-corruption initiatives, and democratic governance. “This legal challenge will compel Nigeria to strike a balance between respecting international obligations and preserving constitutional sovereignty,” Dennis noted.
The statement criticized the EFCC for selective enforcement and politically motivated cases, accusing it of being influenced by Aso Rock. As an example, the group referenced the case of former Akwa Ibom Governor Godswill Akpabio, who was charged in 2015 with allegedly looting N108 billion. They claimed that, despite an initial prosecution by the EFCC, the case was abandoned for political reasons.
While some, such as the Anti-Corruption Lawyers Network, have condemned the governors’ lawsuit as an attempt to undermine the fight against corruption, the Judiciary Watchdogs defended the governors’ actions as a legitimate pursuit of constitutional clarity. They argued that the states are not seeking to dismantle anti-graft agencies but to ensure these institutions operate within the law.
The statement also referenced the Supreme Court case of Dr. Joseph Nwobike vs. Federal Republic of Nigeria, in which the court found that the EFCC Establishment Act failed to meet constitutional requirements. The group stressed that future anti-corruption efforts must empower states to create their own independent agencies without federal interference.
The Judiciary Watchdogs commended the governors for their courage and urged the Supreme Court to uphold the rule of law. “We stand with the governors in their pursuit of constitutional clarity and sovereignty, which will ultimately strengthen Nigeria’s democracy,” the statement read.
The group also called on security agencies to monitor individuals opposing the governors’ efforts, warning them to stay clear of the matter. They concluded by urging the Federal Government to address the controversies surrounding the EFCC and ensure that anti-corruption agencies operate transparently and impartially.
