The Ogun State Government, on Tuesday, refuted media reports suggesting that the state had joined others in the Supreme Court to contest the constitutionality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
It clarified that its legal dispute involves the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU)’s Financial Guidelines, which, according to the government, unfairly restrict the operations of states and local governments.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the government made its stance clear.
The statement noted that the Supreme Court had already settled the issue of the constitutionality of the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and Ogun State believes there is no reason to revisit the matter.
The government further emphasized that there are no new facts or developments that would prompt it to question the EFCC’s legal status, adding that as a federating state with its own law enforcement bodies, it supports the Federal Government’s efforts to maintain law and order.
Providing details on the case Ogun State has filed, the statement explained: “Ogun State’s case (SC/CV/912/2024) and the case some other states are involved in (SC/CV/178/2023) focus on a specific issue that does not challenge the constitutionality of the EFCC.”
“Nigerians will recall the controversial naira redesign policy, which the Supreme Court nullified after Ogun and other states contested the policy.
“At that same time, in January 2023, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), acting under the Anti-Money Laundering Act and Proceeds of Crime Act, released a Guidelines document and an Advisory, which, among other measures, restricted cash withdrawals by State and Local Governments. Ogun State opposes these limits as they conflict with our legal interpretation and disrupt governance.”
The statement continued: “The lawsuit is aimed at invalidating the NFIU’s Guidelines and Advisory to the extent that they interfere with Ogun State’s economic interests and governance.”
“Now that the Supreme Court has upheld Local Governments’ access to their funds, NFIU’s unnecessary regulations should not obstruct the proper use of public resources.”
