The appointment of Olanipekun Olukoyede as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by President Bola Tinubu has caused controversy in Nigeria. The appointment violates the law governing the anti-corruption agency, according to a report by Premium Times Nigeria. To be eligible for the position, a chairman of the commission must be a serving or retired member of any government security or law enforcement agency not below the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police or equivalent and possess not less than 15 years of experience, as mandated by section 2(3) of the EFCC Act. Despite his previous roles within the EFCC, Mr Olukoyede must meet these criteria. His first involvement with any security or law enforcement agency began with his appointment as the Chief of Staff to the then-acting chairperson of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, in 2016.
This controversial decision was made following the resignation of Abdulrasheed Bawa, the previous EFCC chairman, whom the State Security Service is currently investigating for undisclosed corruption allegations.
Many Nigerians are concerned about the integrity and effectiveness of the country's anti-corruption efforts with the appointment of an unqualified chairman. This decision could undermine the credibility of the EFCC and its future operations, as the leadership of Nigeria's primary anti-corruption agency is critical. It remains to be seen if Mr Olukoyede can rise to the occasion and lead the EFCC effectively, despite the controversy surrounding his appointment.
