Former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, has issued a strong rebuke against 16 state governments involved in legal actions aimed at weakening Nigeria’s anti-corruption system, specifically targeting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Speaking on Sunday during the “My Take” segment of Inside Sources on Channels Television, Akande criticized these states’ efforts to curtail the powers of the EFCC, calling their actions “anti-people” and questioning their motives.

Akande began by expressing his disappointment at the states’ decision to challenge the authority of the EFCC, particularly at a time when Nigeria is grappling with rampant corruption that threatens the very fabric of society. “At a time when corrosive corruption is tearing away the fabric of our society, we can see how 16 state governments and some lawyers are mounting an assault on the existence of the EFCC,” Akande said.

He commended the remaining 20 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for choosing not to participate in the legal battle. “Thankfully, there are 20 more states and the FCT who have stayed out of this needless legal drama. Those 20 states and the FCT have acted in the best interest of the Nigerian people,” he added.

The legal dispute, currently before the Supreme Court, questions the constitutional legitimacy of the EFCC in exercising authority over state governments. The plaintiffs argue that the anti-corruption agency oversteps its jurisdiction in handling matters within the purview of state governments.

However, Akande was quick to point out that the Supreme Court has already ruled on this issue in the past, affirming the EFCC’s authority. Referring to the landmark case of Attorney-General of Ondo State vs Attorney-General of the Federation in 2002, he emphasized that the court has ruled twice in favor of the EFCC’s constitutional mandate. “This is a matter the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, has expressed a firm opinion on at least twice,” Akande said.

Akande expressed frustration that 16 state governments are investing resources in fighting the EFCC instead of focusing on more pressing issues such as education and healthcare. He pointed to the fact that several of the litigating states have failed to access over N45 billion in Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) matching grants between 2020 and 2023, funds meant to improve public education.

“It’s quite disturbing that we have 16 state governments who can’t seem to figure out a more beneficial matter to take to the Supreme Court,” Akande said. “In many of the states, students lie on their bellies to study. Some lie on their backs. No classrooms. No good buildings. Where you have buildings, they’re old, dilapidated structures all over this country.”

The former presidential aide also highlighted the deplorable state of healthcare in many of the states involved in the legal challenge, pointing out that both education and healthcare fall under the concurrent list of responsibilities shared between state and federal governments. “Rather than addressing these fundamental issues, these state governments are busy engaging in a legal battle to shield themselves from accountability,” he added.

Akande didn’t mince words when it came to the motivations behind the legal actions. He accused the governors involved of seeking to protect themselves from future prosecution, suggesting that their primary concern is evading EFCC scrutiny once they lose the immunity that comes with being in office.

“Those governors are more concerned about how their governors will possibly be free of EFCC once they lose their immunity status. Is that a compelling reason for the other 15 states to join Kogi in this truly anti-people case?” Akande asked rhetorically.

He reserved particularly harsh criticism for Kogi State, which has been at the forefront of the legal challenge. Describing the actions of Kogi’s immediate past governor, Yahaya Bello, as a “drama of the absurd,” Akande accused Bello of attempting to dismantle the EFCC for personal gain.

Rather than weakening the anti-corruption agency, Akande advocated for reforms aimed at strengthening the EFCC’s capacity to operate more professionally and with respect for human rights. He stressed that any reforms should focus on eliminating internal corruption, improving its operations, and ensuring the agency’s adherence to human rights standards, particularly in its treatment of suspects.

“If we need to do anything to EFCC, we must strengthen its professional capacity to be free of inducement, corruption, and respect people’s fundamental rights, especially the suspects. This attempt to kill EFCC with this legal case must fail,” he declared.

Akande concluded by commending the 20 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that have stayed out of the legal challenge. He praised them for acting in the best interest of Nigerians, calling their stance a reflection of true leadership.