Sodiq Adelakun
In a resolute stance against corruption, Olanipekun Olukoyede, Executive Chairman of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has emphasised the critical need for concerted efforts in combating the pervasive issue plaguing Nigeria.
Addressing stakeholders during the 2024 African Anti-Corruption Day at Unity Fountain in Abuja, Olukoyede also reiterated the urgency of whistleblowing and integrity in the fight against economic and financial crimes.
According to Olukoyede, “Corruption is the next deadliest affliction of humanity, aside from terrorism. We cannot win the war against corruption through lip service, emotional outburst, or mere mob campaigns.”
“Every whistle blown must point towards truth and evidential proofs,” he said highlighting the need for credible information to boost anti-corruption efforts.
He is right. There is a need for commitment, passion, consistency, and credibility of intelligence since whistle blowing is expected to point towards truth and evidential proofs.
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The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recently released a report indicating that N721 billion was received as bribes by Nigerian public officials in 2023. This amounts to 0.35% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Olukoyede has therefore pleaded with the Nigeria Labour Congress and civil society organisations to join the anti-graft war, stating that most of the governors being prosecuted today were those who couldn’t pay minimum wage.
Moving forward, Olukoyede said there should be consistent support from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other key stakeholders.
On his part, the NLC President, Joe Ajearo, has promised that the union would fully support the EFCC in its fight against corruption. Likewise, various stakeholders have commended the EFCC for galvanising Nigerians to stand against corruption.
The EFCC had organised a Road Walk in Abuja to commemorate the 2024 African Anti-Corruption Day, with Olukoyede leading the walk and calling for collective action against corruption, emphasising that the fight against corruption requires a consistent and focused effort from individuals, communities, corporate bodies, and the whole world.
Interestingly, Olukoyede’s call to action resonated strongly with stakeholders from diverse sectors, including civil society organisations and government agencies. For instance, the Chairperson, Conference of Civil Society and Coordinator Civil Military Co-operation (CIMCO), Adams Otakwu, said, “Corruption is the most insidious threat to national security, and the fight against it must be tackled head-on.”
He commended the EFCC’s efforts, highlighting corruption as a primary threat to national security.
Similarly, in a show of solidarity, representatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Correctional Service, and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) joined the EFCC’s procession through the streets of Wuse 2 and Maitama, culminating at the Unity Fountain.
The event was marked by enthusiastic displays of unity and determination among participants, echoing Olukoyede’s call for collective action against corruption.
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