Constitutional lawyer lauds Buhari on new EFCC Chairman

Chief Richard Ahonaruogho, a constitutional lawyer, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointment of Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa as acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing it as a good omen for the agency.

Ahonaruogho said this in a statement on Wednesday in Benin.

He faulted criticisms against Bawa’s appointment, describing him as “a good man and a good choice.”

“I do not know about the politics of appointments, but I have met and related with almost all top officers of the EFCC, especially in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Benin, Uyo and Ibadan as I do substantial work in the area of criminal justice and constitutional law advocacy.

“Bawa is refined and competent at his duties. He is very civil for a high ranking officer, extremely polite and yet a crack detective.

“I saw him going places. His appointment is a good omen for the EFCC and the country.

“The EFCC, like other institutions, needs good men and women who should be supported to succeed for our common good,” Ahonaruogho said.

He added: “We are almost missing it as a nation. Very urgent steps are needed to pull Nigeria from the brim, before the mighty fall of no return. God forbid.”

Bawa replaced Mr Ibrahim Magu, who has acted as EFCC Chairman for several years.

The 40-year-old Kebbi-born Deputy Chief Detective Superintendent was head of Lagos Zonal office of the commission before his appointment.

Bawa was the youngest to be appointed as chairman of the commission since its creation in 2003 by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.