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The Ilorin Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, led by its Chairman, Barrister Kamaldeen Gambari on Monday, August 7, 2023 visited the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, with a pledge to support the Commission in its fight against corruption.
Recall that the Ilorin Branch of the NBA last week Thursday, August 3, 2023 in a press statement jointly signed by Aishat Omotayo Temim and Ridwan Musa, Acting Chairperson and Publicity Secretary respectively, accused the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC of what they termed as “non- adherence to Rule of Law” and calling for the transfer of the Zonal Commander.
In a swift reaction, the EFCC in a press release on Friday, August 4, 2023 expressed shock, describing the statement by the Ilorin Branch of the NBA as a disguised attempt by the Bar to intimidate the Ilorin Command of the EFCC into unconscionable docility.
Speaking on Monday during visit, Barrister Gambari said “the EFCC and the NBA are partners in progress” as far as the fight against corruption was concerned. “We are particularly glad that the Zonal Commander is part of us in the legal profession”, he added.
He stated that the visit was to strengthen the existing relationship between the EFCC and the Ilorin Branch of the NBA in the fight against corruption.
“We are here to interface with the Zonal Commander especially when we discovered that he’s one of us in the legal profession. The meeting was peaceful, engaging and eventful”, Barrister Gambari stated.
In response, the Commander, Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC, Michael Nzekwe expressed delight over the visit and further solicited the support of lawyers for the good work of the Commission. He urged them to always verify claims made by their clients against the EFCC in order not to be misled. He said, “the Commission has zero tolerance for corruption as it is prepared to investigate any allegation of unprofessional conduct brought with proof against any of its personnel.”
“We are not targeting any person or particular group of people neither shall we condone any act of professional misconduct from any of our personnel. Indeed, we are protecting the country’s future. Kwara is undergoing some changes with respect to tackling the rising tide of cybercrime as well as checkmating the activities of illegal mining operators in the state”, Nzekwe said.
The Zonal Commander emphasized that “the EFCC, as a creation of law, conducts its activities within the ambit of law and will not compromise on it”. He charged lawyers to always follow due procedures and assured that the Commission will not prevent any lawyer from doing a legitimate business.
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