Buhari seeks Senate’s confirmation of Bawa as EFCC chair

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan on Tuesday read out a letter from President Muhammadu Buhari asking the lawmakers to confirm Abdulrasheed Bawa as the substantive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

After reading the letter on the floor of the Senate, Lawan said the screening of the chairman-designate of the anti-graft agency would be done in plenary in keeping with the Senate’s tradition.

Though no specific date or time was given by the Senate president for the screening, Businessday gathered that the screening will be done during plenary this week.

In the letter to the Senate, the president said he was acting in accordance with paragraph 2(3) of Part1, CAP E1 of EFCC Act 2004.

In the letter titled: “Dear distinguished Senate President, request for confirmation of appointment of chairman, Economic and Financial Crime Commission,” Buhari expressed confidence that the lawmakers would consider the request in the usual expeditious manner.

According to the letter, “In accordance with paragraph 2(2) of Part1, CAP E1 of EFCC Act 2004.

“I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of Abrasheed Bawa as chairman of EFCC, the curriculum vitae of the nominee is attached herewith.

“While I trust that the distinguish Senate will consider this request in the usual expeditious manner, please accept distinguish Senate president the assurances of my highest consideration.”

Bawa, 40, is a trained EFCC investigator with vast experience in the investigation and prosecution of Advance Fee Fraud cases, official corruption, bank fraud, money laundering, and other economic crimes. He has undergone several specialised trainings in different parts of the world, and was one of the pioneer EFCC cadet officers in 2005.