FG promotes EFCC acting chairman to secure Senate confirmation

Ahead of the Senate screening, the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has been promoted from Level 13 to 14.

He has also been elevated to the rank of Chief Detective Superintendent, a move considered as a reaction to a suit challenging his qualification for the job.

Bawa was appointed by the President Muhammadu Buhari on February 16, 2021 while on Grade Level 13 and a Deputy Chief Detective Superintendent.

But a lawyer, Osuagwu Ugochukwu, has filed a suit before a Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to stop the Senate confirmation of Bawa saying he is not qualified for the new position.

According to Section 2 of the EFCC Act, whoever will be chairman of the commission must have at least 15 years experience and attained the rank of an Assistant Commissioner of Police or its equivalent.

Bawa and his course mates were said to have on Friday received their letters of promotion with immediate effect.

A top source in the EFCC told The PUNCH that with the new promotion, Bawa is now qualified to take on the new job.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Bawa and his mates who were part of the pioneer Course 1 of the EFCC Cadet Officers were ought to have been promoted over a year ago but their promotions were delayed by the police-led leadership of the commission.

He said, “Bawa and his course mates have been promoted to Level 14. Hopefully, this will put to rest the controversy surrounding his eligibility for the role of EFCC chairman. I agree that the promotion should have been effected before his appointment was announced as this would have prevented unnecessary controversies.

“The truth is that he has been overdue for promotion.”

It was also learnt on Saturday that the Presidency was seeking to appoint a new secretary of the commission to replace Mr Ola Olukoyede who is still on suspension.

A member of the Justice Ayo Salami-led panel was said to be one of the persons being considered for the appointment of secretary of the commission which is a key appointment.