EFCC chairman makes case for professionalism, rule of law

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said that adherence to professionalism and commitment to the rule of law by government officials would ensure Nigerians’ contribution to economic growth.

Speaking on Saturday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital during a walk to mark the 2023 International Anti-Corruption Day, the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, explained that an increase in professionalism means zero tolerance for all forms of arbitrariness.

He said, “Only through professionalism and adherence to the rule of law will the commission be able to contribute to economic growth by restoring investors’ confidence in our economy.”

According to him, aside from regaining the people’s confidence, it would also restore investors’ confidence in the nation’s economy.

Olukoyede said, “Our focus makes it imperative for us to create conducive environments for job creation, the opening of investment space across the country and improvement on our international image.”

The EFCC boss who was represented by the commission’s Ilorin zonal commander, Michael Nzekwe, said the commission is determined to work with the corruption prevention template recommended by the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC 20) to fight corruption and other seeming threats to the nation’s economy.

“In driving this prevention focus, the Commission under my watch will prioritise these focal areas: collaboration and synergy with local and foreign law enforcement agencies, professionalism and strict adherence to the rule of law as the absolute minimum in all activities of the Commission.

“I want every EFCC operative to be more diligent and resourceful on our assigned tasks. My leadership will punish infractions traceable to unethical practices. We will ensure that the right things are done at all times,” he assured.

For EFCC, he described this year’s anti-corruption event as a special occasion as it offers the agency the opportunity to review its works, engage with stakeholders and consider fresh perspectives to consolidate the gains of the fight against economic and financial crimes and other forms of corrupt practices.

Describing corruption as a threat to the growth and development of individuals and all nations, he said: “No one is immune to the contagion of corruption which is why nations are united in finding solutions to this common ailment.”

He said the theme of the 2023 International Anti-Corruption Day: UNCAC @ 20: Uniting the World against Corruption is a tribute to the revolutionary impact which the United Nations has had in mobilising and directing global action against corruption.

“UNCAC, through its resolutions and interventions has become the fulcrum of the global resistance against corruption,” adding that “successful anti-corruption models across the world are built on the recommendation of UNCAC.”

Meanwhile, the Kwara State government has urged youths to shun cybercrime by embracing its many empowerment programs.

The commissioner for youths, Yinusa Lade, while addressing the crowd that joined in the walk against corruption, enjoined the youths to see another opportunity in Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s government rather than engaging in acts inimical to the nation’s growth.

He however urged all to see and regard the fight against corruption as an article of faith to be sung at all times.