Members of the academic community on Wednesday expressed mixed reactions on the sack of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Mrs Farida Waziri by the Presidency.
President Goodluck Jonathan announced the removal of Waziri as EFCC Chairman, and had since appointed Mr Ibrahim Lamorde as acting chairman.
Reacting to the development in a telephone interview with pressmen, Prof. Lai Olurode, a former Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, said that there was need for a clearer picture of reasons that led to such a decision.
``It is a bit difficult for me to say much about this sudden sack ,but I want to believe that such action must be in line with the law establishing the Commission.
``If her sack is to pave way for someone else who would carry out the war against corruption with more aggression, then it would show a measure of the administration's seriousness in ensuring sanity in public offices.
``If her sack is not in accordance with the law establishing the commission, then it would question our commitment in fighting corruption in the country before the international community," Olurode said.
He expressed concern over the outcome of the development, adding that efforts should be made to give satisfactory reasons for the sack, so as to avoid any misconception before the international community.
``Remember that the international community has been partnering with her in the fight against corruption and they might be disappointed if her removal does not fall in line with the law establishing the Commission," Olurode said.
``She might have had issues with some other people in public office while trying to give her best in the fight against corruption but this should not affect her job.
``And unless we tackle corruption headlong in this country, our development might remain a mirage," he said.
Dr Olubunmi Ajibade, senior lecturer, Mass Communication Department, University of Lagos, said that there was need for such action to be justified in order not to ridicule the efforts of the country in fighting corruption before collaborating agencies.
``The lesson we all learn from this development, however, is that no position is permanent, no matter how well or otherwise the occupant had handled it.
``When given a responsibility of any magnitude, one should strive to be careful in discharging it with diligence and dexterity," Ajibade said.
The Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, said he was not surprised at the action, adding that the sack was long overdue.
Oyewo said that the sack could have been linked with some inadequacies in carrying out the enormous responsibilities in the war against corruption as expected in line with the efforts of the current administration.
``Remember that Waziri was not appointed by this current administration, and so, one could feel that there may be a policy change that has been adopted by her which does not meet the goal of this administration's anti corruption war," he said
According to him, her predecessor, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, made remarkable achievements while in office, because he had evidence of prosecution and conviction of public office holders, irrespective of their status.
He explained that Waziri had focused more on arresting and prosecuting those in the banking industry, which according to him, had not recorded much success.
``She had been embattled in recent times-- concerning her approach to the war against corruption-- especially as regards issues with the National Assembly and recently with the Attorney General.
``I feel it could be as a result of perceived inadequacies," Oyewo said.
A Lawyer, Mr Benson Ndakara, also told reporters that the removal of Waziri as the EFCC's boss was a sad news as she was a courageous woman who was tested and trusted.
``She is a woman that had demonstrated courage and confidence in the pursuit of her professional duties.
``I hope the government had crumbled under the pressure of certain politicians and individuals who are under the search light of the EFCC,'' he said.
Meanwhile, the Organised Labour in Nigeria on Wednesday called on the Federal Government to restructure its fight against corrupt practices to ensure the development of the nation.
The labour leaders who were reacting to the removal of Waziri said that the economy would not improve if the government failed to tackle its officials involved in corrupt practices.
Mr Isa Aremu, Vice President, Nigeria Labour Congresss (NLC) told NAN that Waziri's removal showed that the corruption war was in crisis.
`` Nigeria must replace corruption agenda with development agenda for the country to move forward,'' Aremu said
He said that the government has not succeeded in removing the economic crisis bedeviling the country, yet it was removing the officials fighting against corruption.
He said that it was time for the federal government to give labour a time frame to stop corruption in Nigeria by instituting stringent measures against it.
He said that the government must focus on development by ensuring the provision of adequate infrastructures such as good roads, water and electricity.
He advised the government to restructure its agenda on corruption by reforming agencies such as Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Nigeria National petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as well as public Universities so as to revamp education.
Mr Elija Okougbo, General Secretary, National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) told NAN that the removal of the EFCC chairman was not in the interest of the country.
``Is the government ready to question those found wanted, so as not to create more room for corrupt practices?'' he asked.
In his reaction, Chief John Kolawole, General Secretary, Trade Union Congress (TUC), said the people would like to know the reasons for her removal.
``We know that the government has the right to hire and fire but we want to know if Waziri stepped on some toes or committed an offence that led to her removal,'' he said.
Kolawole also said it was regrettable that not being able to effectively tackle the problem of corruption in Nigeria was the only hindrance to achieving the desired development growth.
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