Lagos — Most organisations established by politicians often start off with the hope of achieving great objectives but they are soon overwhelmed by petty politics. If care is not taken, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, may soon become one of such organisations. It is universally agreed that corruption remains the chief stumbling block to Nigeria's emergence as a great economic and political power.

The EFCC was established by law in 2004 with a broad mandate some of which were in conflict with the Police Act recognised by the 1999 Constitution. So eager were Nigerians to tackle corruption that such apparently minor defects in the legislation were allowed to stand undisturbed. One thing was however unanimously assumed, that the EFCC would be given and would demonstrate the degree of autonomy that would stamp it as a non-partisan watchdog.

In fairness to the EFCC, it started on the right track and was rightly commended for its efforts. Within the last one year, however, the EFCC's exercise of its mandate has become increasingly worrisome. Among these were detention of suspects for days or even weeks without charging them to court; its invitation to Abuja of entire State Houses of Assembly and intervention in the operation of States accounts with banks. It has even given retroactive effect to its mandate -- something rather strange in a democracy and is not contained in the law establishing it.

More worrisome to most observers is the pattern of EFCC investigations and prosecutions where politicians and political entities are concerned. Rightly or wrongly there appears to be a discernible tilt of prosecution towards those perceived to be "enemies" of the Executive branch while people accused of even more grievous offences are not prosecuted. This has awakened fears that the EFCC if it does not watch its steps could lend itself as an instrument for witch-hunting dissident groups. That fear has recently been heightened through announcement by the Chairman of EFCC that the Commission would investigate candidates for various elective offices. The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has also endorsed EFCC's participation in the process. Yet, the most diligent search of the law establishing EFCC did not turn up any specific role assigned to the Commission in this regard.

The EFCC is an economic watchdog not a political gate keeper. It should investigate people suspected of economic crimes regardless of whether they are candidates for election or not. It should not harass candidates for election. It would be exceeding its mandate if it dabbles into the screening of candidates for the elections.