Some Nigerians have called for stronger anti-corruption agencies to ensure their independence in tackling high-profile corruption cases in the country.
They said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) should be allowed to function without political interference.
Some respondents said apart from making the agencies completely independent, it was vital for them to be funded adequately.
Martin Idachaba, a lecturer in the Department of Law, Kogi State University, Ayingba, said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption crusade had so far recorded some achievements.
He, however, alleged that politicisation of the anti-corruption fight and failure to investigate accusations involving politically exposed persons had cast doubt on the anti-corruption war.
Mr Idachaba suggested that government should deploy more technology to reduce direct contact, where possible, between government officials and the public, to discourage bribery and corruption.
Mr Idachaba said like election matters, there should be a timeline for the determination of corruption cases, saying the current situation of delaying high-profile cases of corruption often dampens the morale of personnel involved in the anti-graft war.
Another legal expert, Samuel Nda, also called for strengthening the anti-corruption agencies to ensure optimal performance.
Mr Nda advocated for legislation that would empower the anti-corruption agencies to keep suspects, when arrested, till the completion of the investigation.
He faulted the trend among anti-corruption agencies, especially the EFCC, where suspects were arrested without proper investigation.
Olagunju Adetola, a civil servant, said corruption in the country had reached the level of a national emergency.
He called for a collaborative strategy involving the government and the citizens to face the challenges posed by corruption head-on.
Mr Adetola said the government must continue to tighten the noose on persons corruptly enriching themselves within the system to discourage others from the act.
Beatrice Samuel, a lawyer, said that government should demonstrate the political will to deal with any corrupt person without fear or favour.
She also canvassed for legislative and judicial support in the fight against the scourge of corruption in Nigeria.
Other respondents like Benjamin Kayode advised that anti-corruption agencies must have strong evidence before sweeping on suspects.
Mr Kayode, who lives in Abuja, said invasions and arrests based on suspicion were not good for the image of the anti-graft agencies.
For 28-year-old Nnamdi Agu, who claimed that his house was wrongly searched by the EFCC in 2020, the agencies must carry out a proper investigation before the arrest, to enhance their credibility.
A banker, Eunice Eweka, advised the anti-corruption agencies to make adequate background checks before confronting suspects to prevent embarrassing confrontations that may stall credible operations.
(NAN)
