NEWS
Supreme Court Delays Ruling As Three States Exit EFCC Legal Battle
In a significant turn of events, three states—Anambra, Adamawa, and Ebonyi—have withdrawn from a Supreme Court case that seeks to challenge the legality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Their withdrawal was announced on Tuesday as the case was set for hearing.
Anambra’s Attorney General, Prof. Sylvia Ifemeje, informed the court that the state had decided to pull out of the lawsuit originally initiated by Kogi state.
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She submitted a notice of withdrawal dated October 20.
Similarly, Adamawa’s AG, Mr. J. I. Jingi, confirmed that his state filed a notice of withdrawal on October 14. Ebonyi state, previously listed as the 18th plaintiff, also formally withdrew through its counsel, Mr. Ikenna Nwidagu.
The AGF, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who is representing the federal government as the sole defendant in the matter, did not oppose the states’ requests to withdraw.
Consequently, the Supreme Court panel, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, struck Anambra, Adamawa, and Ebonyi from the list of plaintiffs.
In contrast to the withdrawals, Osun state has moved to consolidate its legal grievances against the EFCC with those of Kogi state.
Osun’s Attorney General, Mr. Oluwole Bada, expressed the state’s intent to seek similar reliefs as outlined in Kogi’s initial suit.
The ongoing legal battle, marked as SC/CV/178/2023, centers on the legality of the EFCC’s establishment.
The states involved argue that the commission was not validly formed, as they claim the requirements outlined in Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution were not adhered to prior to the EFCC’s creation.
The EFCC was established by an Act of the National Assembly on December 12, 2002, under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
The plaintiffs contend that a constitutional amendment requires approval from a majority of state Houses of Assembly, a process they claim was not followed.
They maintain that this oversight renders the EFCC’s operations invalid, asserting that any agency formed under the disputed Act should be considered illegal.
Kogi state, as the originating plaintiff, has posed several questions for the Supreme Court to address and is seeking nine primary reliefs, including a declaration that the EFCC lacks the authority to investigate matters related to Kogi’s state funds.
In response, AGF Prince Fagbemi argued that the EFCC was established in line with constitutional provisions, emphasizing the importance of the commission in combating corruption in Nigeria.
He urged the court to dismiss the plaintiffs’ suit, warning that ruling in their favor could undermine the nation’s efforts to tackle corruption and impact previous convictions.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Abba-Aji reserved judgment, with a decision to be announced at a later date.
The National Assembly management team, led by Clerk Sani Magaji Tambawal, has ramped up efforts to ensure a seamless presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event, scheduled for a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, is regarded as a significant moment in Nigeria’s legislative calendar.
Preparations include a thorough inspection of the assembly chambers to ensure all facilities are fully functional.
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Deputy Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana, who is overseeing the technical arrangements, confirmed that key systems, including microphones, sound equipment, and other audio-visual tools, have been tested to ensure smooth communication during the session.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the National Assembly is fully prepared to receive Mr. President and provide a conducive environment for this significant moment in our democratic process,” Ogunlana stated.
Seating arrangements are also being finalized to accommodate lawmakers, government officials, and other dignitaries expected at the session.
Security measures are being reviewed in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees. Meanwhile, press accreditation is being managed to facilitate effective media coverage.
The 2025 budget presentation is expected to highlight the government’s economic priorities while reinforcing the partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.
As the session approaches, the National Assembly has expressed its commitment to upholding Nigeria’s democratic values and providing a platform for transparent governance.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has announced the establishment of a 14-member Assets Verification Committee to examine the financial records and asset management of the previous administration led by Godwin Obaseki.
In a statement released on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor revealed that the committee would be inaugurated on Tuesday, November 26, in Benin City.
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The panel is tasked with creating a detailed account of the state’s assets and liabilities to ensure transparency and accountability.
The committee will be chaired by Ernest Umakhihe, with Anslem Ojezua as Deputy Chairman and Frank Edebor as Secretary. Other members include Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, Taiwo Akerele, Patrick Idiake, Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Fredrick Unopah, Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Abass Braimoh.
Explaining the rationale behind the committee, Mr. Itua stated, “Despite repeated calls for a more holistic database of the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, the Godwin Obaseki-led government presented a scanty and limited report.”
He added that the initiative reflects the governor’s commitment to his campaign promises.
“In line with the governor’s campaign promise to ensure probity, accountability, and transparency in government, and to deepen the governance process, a committee made up of respected sons and daughters from Edo State has to be constituted,” the statement noted.
The committee’s work is expected to pave the way for a more accountable and developmental governance structure in Edo State.
In a bid to increase its global presence, the National Examination Council (NECO) has accredited more foreign schools.
This was contained in a statement issued under the signature of its Acting Director of Public Relations, Azeez Sanni, on Saturday.
He revealed that the accredited schools are in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea.
Recall that last year, the examination body accredited some centres in Niger Republic to enable Nigerian students in the Francophone country to sit for the examinations.
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The statement read, “Determined to broaden its horizon and expand its global presence, the National Examinations Council has accredited more foreign schools to write the Senior School Certificate Examination and the Basic Education Certificate Examination.
“The newly accredited schools, in addition to the existing ones, are in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea.
“NECO accreditation team visited the Schools to assess their readiness to write the SSCE and BECE.
“The accreditation 5eam inspected classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer laboratories, workshops, examination halls and sports facilities to determine their adequacy and suitability for NECO examinations.
“After a thorough evaluation and comprehensive assessment, the schools were granted full SSCE and full BECE accreditation status.”
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