The EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, warned Nigerians against supporting corrupt individuals during a recent anti-corruption event in Abuja. Emphasizing the need for integrity in leadership, he called for collective civic action against corruption, urging citizens to disengage from defending corrupt suspects. Other speakers reinforced these views, highlighting the need to address corruption at all governance levels.
Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, urged Nigerians to withhold support from individuals involved in economic crimes during the 38th Anti-Corruption Situation Room in Abuja on February 27, 2025. He expressed that aiding corrupt suspects undermines anti-corruption efforts and implored citizens to cease participating in demonstrations defending them. He emphasized the need for collective action against corruption and to promote leaders of integrity.
During the event, Dr. Kola Shetima and Dr. Aminu Salihu from the Macarthur Foundation echoed the importance of collective responsibility in tackling corruption, stressing that Nigeria belongs to all. They urged citizens to recognize and protect their commonwealth, as the fight against corruption directly impacts the welfare of all citizens.
Dr. Garba Abari, the event’s chairman, criticized the focus on politically exposed individuals while neglecting corruption in civil service and the private sector, where fraudulent activities often occur. He called for increased attention to local governance and autonomy to enhance accountability and reduce corruption.
Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer, argued that anti-corruption efforts must reach grassroots levels since victims of corruption must be engaged and empowered to hold leaders accountable. He noted the need for transparency and monitoring of budgets to ensure government funds are utilized correctly.
Others remarked on the necessity for preventative measures in the fight against corruption. Akintunde Sawyerr, from Nigeria Education Loan Fund, advocated for enhanced ethical conduct among those in government roles. Professor Shehu Abdullahi emphasized that corruption undermines people’s freedoms and stressed that young people should lead the charge in demanding integrity and accountability from leaders.
Ola Olukoyede’s call to action emphasizes the importance of collective civic responsibility in battling corruption in Nigeria. By urging Nigerians to distance themselves from corrupt individuals and advocating for integrity in leadership, the EFCC aims to bolster the country’s anti-corruption efforts. The discussions highlighted the necessity for vigilance across all sectors and the involvement of grassroots movements in the fight to reclaim Nigeria’s commonwealth from corrupt practices.
Original Source: www.efcc.gov.ng
