Malami Reveals Why He Nominated Abdulrasheed Bawa As EFCC Chairman

Abubakar Malami, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) on Monday revealed that he nominated Abdulrasheed Bawa as the substantive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) based on his competence and ability to deliver.

Malami who disclosed this in an interview with DailyTrust said he is happy that despite the comments made on his selection of Bawa, none of them challenged his capacity to deliver as head of the country’s leading anti-corruption agency.

Malami, who is also Minister of Justice, said four names, including that of Bawa, were submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari, for consideration on who to head the EFCC but Bawa was eventually picked.

AllNews had reported that the Nigeria Senate, on February 24, confirmed the appointment of Bawa, who was nominated by the President on February 15, as the substantive chairman of the EFCC.

Bawa, 40, a pioneer EFCC cadet officer from Course One of 2005, rose through the ranks to head the Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Lagos zonal offices of the commission at various times.

Ibrahim Magu, his predecessor and former acting chairman of the EFCC, was suspended and later removed from office over allegations of corruption.

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However, since Bawa was appointed the fifth substantive EFCC chair, there have been mixed reactions from different quarters due to his relationship with the AGF, who has been alleged to have played a significant role in the removal of the former suspended acting EFCC chairman.

Although both Messrs Malami and Bawa are from Kebbi State, they hail from different local government areas.

In an interview, Malami said the EFCC chairman will add value to the fight against corruption.

“I am happy that most of the comments made are not on his capacity, intelligence, competence and associated ability to deliver. His capacity to deliver was never questioned across the nation,” he said.

“The question is whether justice has been served, whether public interest has been served to have the chairman appointed with particular regard to his capacity and ability to deliver.

“My answer is yes. He has the capacity, ability and institutional history of the institution to do justice by way of bringing about added value.

“[Bawa] has held various authorities, inclusive of serving in various divisions as the head of operations, including Port Harcourt, Lagos and Ibadan which are adjudged to be the high point.”