Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to make public all high profile petitions it has investigated and found to be without merit.
He said doing so would help correct the public misconception that every petition against politicians or public officials automatically indicates guilt.
Speaking during plenary in Abuja on Monday, Akpabio commended the EFCC for its performance in recent years, describing it as a revolution in the fight against corruption. His remarks came while deliberating on a motion sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Udende from Benue North East, titled Urgent Need to Commend the EFCC for Its Significant Gains Made in Recent Times, Particularly in 2024 Despite Challenges.
The Senate President attributed the Commission’s renewed effectiveness to the leadership of its chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, and praised President Bola Tinubu for appointing the right man for the job. Akpabio stated, “They should publish reports of all petitions investigated, especially politically motivated ones that turned out to be baseless, because Nigerians often believe every petition means wrongdoing or conviction.”
He also reminded the Senate that the EFCC cannot keep any percentage of recovered funds without legislative approval, urging relevant committees to confirm if such requests had been sent to the National Assembly by the President. The Senate thereafter commended the EFCC for securing 4,111 convictions in 2024, the highest in its history, and for recovering over ₦364 billion and millions in foreign currencies despite operational difficulties.
Senator Udende, who sponsored the motion, praised the EFCC’s achievements, noting that its professionalism and resilience under the current administration have improved Nigeria’s global image. He revealed that the agency recovered 173 cars, 784 estates, electronic gadgets, petroleum products, and cryptocurrencies worth hundreds of thousands of dollars within the year.
Other senators including Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, Saliu Mustapha, and Opeyemi Bamidele lauded the EFCC’s performance, with Bamidele extending appreciation to President Tinubu for supporting the agency’s leadership and funding. The Senate concluded by pledging continued legislative and oversight support to strengthen anti corruption efforts in the country.
