The Executive Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, cautioned Nigerians against supporting individuals accused of corruption during the Anti-Corruption Situation Room held on February 27, 2025. He stressed that such support harms the fight against corruption. Various speakers, including leaders from the Macarthur Foundation and legal professionals, highlighted the necessity for collective efforts to uphold integrity and accountability in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of grassroots engagement and local governance.
Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), urged Nigerians to cease any support for individuals accused or convicted of corruption. This appeal was made during the 38th Anti-Corruption Situation Room in Abuja on February 27, 2025. He emphasized that such support undermines anti-corruption efforts and called for unity against both minor and major corrupt practices. Olukoyede stated, “I urge you that when you see people whom we are prosecuting…don’t carry placards, don’t join them to fight us.”
Olukoyede further advocated for Nigerians to support leaders of integrity, emphasizing his commitment to combating corruption without bias. Representatives from the Macarthur Foundation, such as Dr. Kola Shetima and Dr. Aminu Salihu, echoed the sentiment for collective responsibility in preserving Nigeria’s commonwealth, noting that the populace shares a stake in the nation’s affairs. They remarked, “This is our country and there is nowhere we can go other than this country.”
During the event, Dr. Garba Abari highlighted the overlooked corruption within civil service and the private sector, urging attention towards the effectiveness of local governments. He expressed gratitude towards the EFCC’s leadership in curbing the illicit reallocation of recovered assets. Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, stressed the significance of grassroots engagement in addressing corruption and highlighted the need for the populace to hold their leaders accountable for resource management. He stated, “We must go to the grassroots to make sure that the money meant for the people is judiciously used.”
Other speakers, including Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director of Nigeria Education Loan Fund, reiterated that corruption poses a significant threat to Nigeria. They advocated for heightened accountability and transparency among public officials. Additionally, Professor Shehu Abdullahi lamented that corruption strips away freedoms and fosters impunity, asserting that youth must lead the demand for integrity. He mentioned, “In fighting corruption we should take an integrated approach which should be evidence-based, transparent, non-partisan, all-inclusive and comprehensive.”
Ola Olukoyede’s address underlined the essential role of public unity in combating corruption. With calls for accountability and an emphasis on supporting integrity in leadership, EFCC is striving to create a corruption-free society. Engaging grassroots and collective awareness are critical components in sustaining anti-corruption efforts, as noted by various stakeholders at the event. The commitment to a transparent and just governance system is paramount for national progress.
Original Source: www.efcc.gov.ng
