THE ROLE OF ANTI-GRAFT AGENCIES IN ANTI- CORRUPTION CAMPAIGNS IN NIGERIA: (A CASE STUDY OF ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIME COMMISSION (EFCC).

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Before this country could be free from corruption, its deem fit to invite certain bodies like EFCC, ICPC, for strict examination. These bodies are known as Anti Graft Agencies.

Corruption is a moral deterioration and depravity. It has a wide range of meaning which include mis-appropriation, embezzlement or division of fund bribery gratification, using office or position for unfair advantage, financial funds, business frauds, examination malpractices and money laundry by public and private sector offices and so on.

According to the sixth edition of Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (1992), corruption is defined as a ‘dishonest or illegal behaviour especially people in authority’. It is therefore, something which is no more news to Nigerians, particularly in this present democratic dispensation.

Hence, corruption in Nigeria is traceable to some past Nigerian leaders who ruled Nigeria from 1985 – 1993. Actually, corruption had been perpetuating before his military administration in Nigeria but, it is believed to have got to a high level during his regime.

During this period, he was tagged: ‘MARODONA’ just because of his unreliable, untruthful and unfulfilled promises he made. A lot of projects worth billions of naira were granted but, many of them were not executed.

The issue of N180 million which was budgeted for establishing the most powerful television and radio stations did not see the high of the day up till this present moment.

Likewise, the regime of another Nigeria president was described by a Nigerian Tribune article titled: “The Pharaoh”, (page 9 of the 1999 edition), as a merciless regime, who described to be mercilessly punished. During this period, there were a lot of killings, threats and misappropriation of government funds, among those who were slam then were Kudirat Abiola, Suliyat Adedeji, to mention but a few. Thereafter, every nook and cranny of Nigeria was so tough that, there was nobody to query his dictatorial actions.

Also, another prominent Head of State is an example to be cited. Despite his activities then, there were some path of corrupt practices which were committed during his military regime. All this, to ensure transition of civil rule and keeping people abreast of happenings in their governance, was rated a successful one over his predecessor, because of his military immunity.

Among others were the late senator who embezzles over 200 million, calming it was used to buy rams for the Muslims festival, popularly known as Ileya. The 120 million I.D Cards which was also embezzled by the then minister of Education who gave bribes to some members of National Assembly by boost his ministerial appointment bill.

However, the burning issue to be examined now is that of the inspector General of police who was picked up by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), led by then formal Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and was later arrested.

The Nigerian Tribune (Tuesday 22nd February, 2005), gathered that, inspector general of police be arrested, following the alleged incrimination statements made against him by the then, Managing Director of Fountain Trust Bank (FTB).

Meanwhile, it was later gathered that the FTB Managing Director, had been declared wanted by the EFCC on the allegations of money laundering and breach of stationary banking and financial regulations.

Pertinently, there is no gain saying that the Anti graft agencies have role to play in anti-corruption crusade in our society.

Therefore, the anti-graft agencies should highlight the repercussion of society, so as to achieve a corruption free society. So, these revelations from the subject of what this research work focus on. It is aimed at examining the role of anti-graft agencies using EFCC as a case study.

The Nigerian Tribune (Tuesday, 22nd February, 2005) gathered that, Tafa was arrested following the alleged incrimination statements made against him by the Managing Director of Fountain Trust Bank (FTB) Mr. Segun Aina.

Meanwhile, it was later gathered that the FTB Managing Director, Mr. Segun Aina had been declared wanted by the EFCC on the allegations of money laundering and breach of stationary banking and financial regulations.

Pertinently, there is no gain saying that the Anti graft agencies have role to play in anti-corruption crusade in our society.

AIM OF STUDY

The aim of this research work is to examine the activities of Anti-Graft Agencies using EFCC as case study.

Also, the study is aimed at analyzing to the general public how anti-graft agencies are being used as powerful tools for anti corruption campaigns in Nigeria.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The research work is aimed at examining the activities of Anti-Graft Agencies using EFCC as case study. This would help us to know whether the EFCC has covered. It more elaborately or other wise in corruption eradication in this country.

The purpose of this research topic “The role of anti graft agencies in anti-corruption campaigns in Nigeria is to highlight the role of anti graft agencies fighting corruption within the content of Nigeria society.

This study gives an incisive meaning of corruption causes cases of corruption in Nigeria and its repercussion on the Nigeria society.

SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

This study will go a long way in helping researchers, students, lecturers and

the public at large.

Aphoristically, anti-graft agencies wield enormous in shaping the social, financial and economic structure of any country there by it became significant in this research work to expose and elaborate the role of anti graft agencies in anti-corruption campaigns in Nigeria.

Also, the importance of this study is to show case the relevance of anti graft agencies in combating crime as well as corrupt practices in our society. It is also aimed at exposing corrupt practices and the extent to which has eaten deep into the fabric of our society.

SCOPE OF STUDY

The scope of this research work is not limited to corrupt government only but to the arena of the corrupt citizens.

Also, this study covers the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) activities over the periods of nine (9) years (1999 - 2008).

​LIMITATION OF STUDY

This research work is limited to anti-graft agencies, for example the EFCC,

which is Nigeria’s foremost anti-graft body.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The questions to be examined by this work are:

To what extent has the EFCC been able to perform to expectation?

Has EFCC always been as fore fronting the exposure of corrupt practices in our society?

Effective campaigns against corruption is the hall mark of anti graft agencies particularly EFCC. Do you agree?

“Anti graft agency (EFCC) has the duty to check and balance the activities of the government for transparency” is the statement correct?

Does the anti graft agency (EFCC) watch over the government and relay to the public?

DEFINITION OF TERMS

EFCC: - Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). This was introduced in Nigeria in the year 2004, under the presidency of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, purposely to monitor and to regulate crime rate in the country. It also shows that Nigeria demonstrate seriousness in her fight against crime through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This may seem like a mere public relations exercise but the commission appears bent on its mission to fight financial and economic crimes in Nigeria. Information about the organization gives details on its active fight to rid Nigeria of malaise that has bogged down the countries development since independent. The move is particularly worthy of praise, although EFCC moves have been abused in the past and innocent people were said to be under investigation here and there.

I.C.P.C: - Independent Corrupt Practices and Related offences Commission (ICPC), in addition to the setting up of the (EFCC), the Nigerian government also introduced another anti-corruption agency named the (ICPC), that is Independent Corrupt Practice.

Commission: - This body also introduced the policy of due process to monitor the budget and implementation in the presidency and other parastatals.

Recent reports have revealed that billions of naira has been saved in the

past 3 years in Nigeria.