Abdulrasheed Bawa, candidate nominated to head Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has arrived at the Senate for screening.
Mr. Bawa was accompanied into the Senate Chambers by his family members and political associates.
The 40-year-old, if confirmed, will be the youngest person ever to serve as chairman of the nation’s foremost anti-corruption agency.
Bawa will also be the first core EFCC official and non-police officer to head the agency, a feat which has been hailed by a large majority of the EFCC staff.
The nominee has worked with the anti-graft agency for 16 years and is a Certified fraud examiner and anti-money laundering expert.
He holds a BA in Economics from Usman Dan Fodio University Sokoto and upon his confirmation, will replace former EFCC boss, Ibrahim Magu, who is being investigated on corruption and money laundering charges.
Read Also: Magu Could Not Account For 332 Recovered Properties, Sold Assets To Friends – Presidential Panel
Mr. Bawa told the Senate that the constitution of the country will guide his actions should he be confirmed as EFCC Chairman and promised to leave EFCC in a better place than he met it at the end of his tenure.
According to him, “We need to repatriate all our stolen assets for the benefit of Nigerians”.
The nominee’s appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari last week has, however, been met with criticism following allegations of corruption levelled against him.
Reports claimed Bawa was arrested and removed from his position as Port Harcourt zonal head of the commission for allegedly diverting 224 forfeited trucks.
Read Also: EFCC Denies Corruption Allegations Against New Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa
The diversion of forfeited trucks was one of the allegations levelled against former EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Magu, which was brought before Justice Ayo Salami-led probe panel.
However, EFCC released a statement last week denying the allegations, saying Bawa has no corruption record and has never been arrested.
