Kogi State has taken the lead in a coalition of 15 Nigerian governors seeking a court order to prevent the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from investigating them after their terms in office end. The states involved in the legal move include Kogi, Ondo, Edo, Oyo, Ogun, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Enugu, Benue, Anambra, Plateau, Cross River, and Niger.
The governors have approached the courts, seeking protection from post-office probes by the EFCC, Nigeria’s anti-graft agency. The move is aimed at blocking potential investigations into their financial dealings during their time in office, sparking widespread debate on the accountability of public officials.
Reports indicate that the governors are concerned about the EFCC’s focus on state finances and projects, and they believe the agency’s actions could lead to legal challenges after they step down. The outcome of the court case will likely have significant implications for how former public officeholders are scrutinized in Nigeria.
The EFCC has yet to officially respond to the governors’ actions, but legal and public opinion on the matter remains divided.
