Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Robert Clarke has criticized the legal grounds of a lawsuit filed by several governors and former governors challenging the authority of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). Speaking on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” program, Clarke argued that the officials are not on solid legal footing.
Sixteen states, led by the Kogi State Government, have taken the matter to the Supreme Court, questioning the constitutionality of the laws establishing these agencies. The case is set to be heard on October 22, 2024. Clarke acknowledged that while governors have the right to challenge laws, he expressed skepticism about the legitimacy of their claims, noting that the EFCC has prosecuted many governors for corruption.
Clarke emphasized that unless a clear constitutional conflict is identified, the lawsuit appears weak. He also highlighted concerns over inconsistent judicial rulings, warning that such discrepancies could undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s courts.
News Editor