The House of Representatives on Wednesday started the process to amend the EFCC Act, 2004.

Four consolidated bills seeking to further empower the commission, passed second reading at a session presided over by the Speaker of the House, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, in Abuja.

One major aspect of the proposed amendment is removing the power of appointing the chairman of the EFCC from the President.

The amendment will allow Nigerians appoint the Chairman of the anti-graft agency.

Rep. Bassey Ewa who co-sponsored the bills said “This amendment will open up the EFCC so that the President will not be the sole person to either remove or appoint the chairman.

“In this new proposal, it will require a petition from the public to the National Assembly for a resolution.

“This resolution, when passed, will be forwarded to the President. Mr. President shall within one month, either accept the resolution or reject it.

“The National Assembly reserves the power to override his veto of the resolution.”

Ewa said the purpose of the amendment was to limit the President’s influence on the Chairman who is supposed to be Independent.

The bills also prescribe tougher penalties for stealing public money and creating a special court for speedy trial of cases.

Azeez