The Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CeFTPI) applauds the recent ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria dismissing the suit filed by 19 states challenging the constitutionality of the laws establishing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). The Center welcomes this decision as a commitment from the judiciary to justice and accountability in the management of public resources.
The Center had earlier joined other civil society actors to call on the apex court to act in the interest of accountability, emphasizing that the suit represented an attempt by some state governments to evade scrutiny and shield themselves from anti-corruption oversight. The Supreme Court’s ruling aligns with this position, reaffirming the essential role of independent anti-corruption institutions in promoting transparency and curbing misuse of state resources.
State governors and leaders must recognize that public office is a responsibility, not an avenue for impunity. This judgment sends a strong message that no one is above the law and that mechanisms to check corruption and promote good governance must be protected.
This ruling is a clarion call to state governors to focus on addressing the myriads of challenges currently faced by their citizens. Poverty, rising living costs, and deficiencies in critical sectors such as education and healthcare are major critical issues that government at subnational level should pay more attention to. It is disheartening that some state governments prioritized legal battles to undermine anti-corruption institutions over addressing these pressing issues. It is strongly hoped that this ruling will redirect focus to the urgent need for inclusive, accountable governance that serves the people’s interests.
The Center reiterates its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework and urges all stakeholders to work collaboratively in combatting corruption in all ramifications.
Victor Agi
Public Relations