Make donations to Orphanages, IDPs not paid newspaper advertisement for me- EFCC boss tells admirers

 By Bartholomew Madukwe

Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission the Commission, EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has advised his admirers and well-wishers who are demonstrating their love and support for him through paid newspaper advertisement to channel such resources for more worthy causes, such as making donations to Orphanages and Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camps.
Bawa appealed to his admirers and well-wishers, who might have the intention of demonstrating their love and support for him through paid newspaper advertisement, to desist.
In a statement by the Commission’s Head, Media & Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, dated 2 March, 2021, the anti-graft agency noted that Bawa took over the leadership of the EFCC at a time of great challenge and he desires to hit the ground running.
The statement added: “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has observed the increasing number of messages published in the print media by groups and individuals, congratulating Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa on his well-deserved appointment as the Executive Chairman of the Commission.
“While the open exhibition of affection and solidarity may be salutary in our cultural milieu, and indeed appreciated, it is however inauspicious at this point in time and gradually turning into a distraction.”
The anti-graft agency pointed out that what he needs from well-wishers and indeed all Nigerians is support and prayers, and more importantly, credible information that will further the work of the Commission.
BAWA’S APPOINTMENT
Recall that the Nigeria Senate last Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Abdulrasheed Bawa as the substantive chairman of the EFCC.
Senate president Ahmad Lawan during the plenary restated President Muhammadu Buhari’s nomination of Bawa as EFCC chairman last week.
The Presidency said Bawa’s nomination was in accordance with Section 2 (3) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act 2003.
Bawa was in the company of his family members, the Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on National Assembly Matters, Senator Jide Omoworare, the Speaker and Members of the Kebbi State House of Assembly at the National Assembly.
The EFCC chairman, before his confirmation introduced himself and read his biodata to the Senate.
Bawa, a 40-year-old  EFCC investigator, said he has vast experience in the investigation and prosecution of advance fee fraud cases, official corruption, bank fraud, money laundering, and other economic crimes.
He holds a B.Sc degree in economics, and masters degree in international affairs and diplomacy.
With his confirmation, Bawa replaces the suspended former acting EFCC chairman Ibrahim Magu who is undergoing trial on alleged diversion of recovered government’s assets since July 2020.