Prof. Itse Sagay, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) has lambasted Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami over the proposed bill for the amendment of the establishment Act of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He said; “Nigerians and the National Assembly should reject the bill.”

“The planned amendment is part of an on-going dangerous attempt to destroy Nigeria’s anti-corruption infrastructure and return it to the situation it was, during the dark days before 2015.”

“Those behind the amendment bill are representatives of the corrupt establishment that brought Nigeria to its knees and subjected Nigerians to humiliation as a result of an extremely negative reputation internationally.”

“The new bill will weaken the EFCC and its officials and confer an enormous power on the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.”

“The Minister has proclivity for aborting criminal cases in favour of major political and governmental figures”

“The bill is being sponsored by those that were too ashamed to put their names to the draft bill being circulated, such people are the real enemies of Nigeria.”

“The new bill will effectively now turn Nigeria’s topmost anti-graft agency into a department in the Ministry of Justice.”

“With all the above-established facts, the gravity of the proposed change becomes overwhelming.”

“When in addition to all this, we recall the well-known proclivity of the Attorney-General for entering nolle procequi in favour of major political and governmental figures, this move to effectively scrap the EFCC becomes more alarming.”

“We, therefore, call on the National Assembly and all Nigerians to vigorously reject this attempt to perpetrate a fraud on the nation by effectively scuttling the EFCC and shutting down Nigeria’s anti-corruption war.”

“The offensive highlights of the proposed bill, include, Repeal of the current EFCC Establishment Act which has been a spectacular success and has brought Nigeria into limelight as a major force against corruption.”

“The replacement of the Executive Chairman of the EFCC with a Director-General who is effectively to be appointed by the Attorney-General.”

“This will eliminate the freedom currently enjoyed by the EFCC and replace it under the complete control of the Attorney-General.”