By Abdulrahman Abdulraheem
The return of the new helmsman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde, is not a surprise, as he had reportedly predicted his comeback. A book on the Nuhu Ribadu era at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, A Paradise for Maggots: The story of a Nigerian Anti- Graft Czar, authored by a University of California, Davis professor, Wale Adebanwi, revealed how the new Acting chairman of the commission, Ibrahim Lamorde predicted his return about a year after Late President Umaru Musa Yar’ adua removed him and appointed Farida Waziri. He was at the time, acting chairman of the commission after Nuhu Ribadu was shown the way out.
Though the new development is viewed with mixed feelings, it is expected that Lamorde, who is director of the Operations department will deal with the pretty mess that is presently the bane of the commission and perform his duties as acting chairman because he is taking over at a time the commission and the entire anti-graft crusade are facing serious challenges.
Born on the 20th of December, 1962 in Mubi, Adamawa state, the assistant commissioner of police is not however a stranger to the crusade having held several key positions in the country’s security and intelligence setting. He had as one of Ribadu’s key men, contributed significantly to the success of the Nuhu Ribadu era. He was acting chairman after Ribadu, before Farida Waziri’s appointment. Now back in the same capacity from the position of director of operations, where does the anti corruption battle goes from here?
Lamorde, needs to appreciate the fact that at this time of our nation’s history, with corruption reaching an all time high, Nigerians and indeed the international community expect results in terms of concrete convictions and recovery of assets.
Waziri did the best she could in the circumstances she found herself, Lamorde must not only beat her records, but surpass them.
The issue of special courts has been over flogged. Both at local and international fora, Waziri had championed creation of special courts for anti corruption cases for speedy dispensation. There is no need repeating the fact that the delay caused by lack of ability or sometimes refusal of conventional courts to perform their roles got in the way of the crusade.
EFCC under the leadership of Waziri also called for non- conviction based asset forfeiture law that will make it possible for EFCC and other anti-graft bodies to seize the assets of individuals who are found to be living above their legitimate earnings pending the conclusion of investigation and litigation. This is equally crucial to the success of the battle.
Corruption has been described as the single most prominent factor that is responsible for the backwardness of the country. That is why Nigerians have every reason to expect any new EFCC boss to perform better than his or her predecessor. Speed, more accuracy and urgency need to be injected into the battle for maximum success.
Based on the huge success, Nuhu Ribadu recorded in the area of battling perpetrators of advance fee fraud (419), there seem to have been a reduction in the focus of this commission in that area in the last few years. This has no doubt, caused the re-emergence of young Nigerians hell bent on destroying the reputation of the country with scam mails flying all over the internet. The new leadership therefore needs to refocus attention on advance fee fraud and restore the country’s pride in the comity of nations.
Nigerians are very well concerned in the cases of Politically Exposed Persons (PEPS) as there are still numerous former governors and top Federal Government officials including civil servants who are walking freely today, but who need to be fought with more vigour for their roles in corrupt practices.
Posterity awaits you, Ibrahim Lamorde
