Posted by By JAMES OJO, Abuja. on
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday came under scratch criticisms on the floor of the House of Representatives, while moves to whittle down the powers of the anti-graft body suffered a set back.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday came under scratch criticisms on the floor of the House of Representatives, while moves to whittle down the powers of the anti-graft body suffered a set back.
What incensed the lawmakers was the commando-like invasion of the Enugu State House of Assembly, where the Speaker, Abel Chukwu was abducted and whisked to Abuja by the operatives of the commission.
The invasion of the assembly chamber was roundly condemned by all contributors to a motion on the arrest of the Enugu Speaker inside the chambers.
Deputy House Leader, Gilbert Nnaji and six members representing Enugu state had, in a motion, sought the intervention of the House on the wanton disregard of the rule of law by EFCC, as lawmakers are expected to enjoy certain immunity while performing legitimate duties within the precincts of the chambers.
'What EFCC had done is bad. In clear terms, it is a disgrace to the Parliament that its hallowed chambers could be invaded and the Speaker arrested, it is a threat to democracy," Nnaji told the House.
40 fully armed operatives of EFCC, according to Hon Ogbuefi Uzongbachi sacked the Enugu House of Assembly with maximum force, assaulted the staff before arresting the Speaker.
Deputy Speaker, Austin Opara, who led the debate, warned EFCC not to intimidate lawmakers inside the hallowed chambers, saying that the sanctity of the parliament should be respected.
Leader of opposition, Hon Aminu Tambuwal said that the assault on the Enugu Assembly by EFCC was an aberration that should be condemned so that democracy is not threatened.
Another All Nigeria People Party (ANPP) member, Victor Lar from Plateau State lamented that the National Assembly had created a monster in EFCC, which has no respect for the rule of law. Carrying arms into the chambers, he noted was not only despicable,
Oluwole Adeyemi said that by the invasion of EFCC into chambers of the Enugu House of Assembly, the Commission had violated section 4(h) of the law that ban strangers from the precincts of the Assembly, which is a fine of N50,000 or three months imprisonment.
A panel of seven members was set up to investigate the arrest of the Speaker, who is being kept at the Karu detention camp of EFCC and another panel to liaise with EFCC on the number and amount of monies recovered from corrupt officials since inception was set up.