The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukayode, on Saturday, vowed to punish officers of the commission for infractions traceable to unethical practices.
Speaking in Ilorin, Kwara State, during a walk to mark the 2023 International Anti-Corruption Day, Olukayode asserted that professionalism, due adherence and commitment to the rule of law would ensure Nigerians contribute to economic growth.
He explained that aside from regaining the confidence of the people, such standards would restore investor’s confidence in the nation’s economy.
Olukayode, who was represented by the EFCC Ilorin Zonal commander, Micheal Nzekwe, said, “our focus makes it imperative for us to create a conducive environment for creation, opening of investment spaces across the country and improvement of our International image.”
To realise the lofty goal, he said the EFCC is determined to work with the corruption prevention template recommended by the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC 20) to fight corruption and other threats to the nation’s economy.
“In driving this prevention focus, the commission under my watch will prioritise the focal areas of 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 asserted.
Olukayode 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 in 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 recommendations of UNCAC.”
In the spirit of the international anti-corruption day, the Kwara State government also urged youths to shun cybercrimes and embrace its many empowerment programs.
The state Commissioner for Youths, Yinusa Lade, while addressing the crowd that joined in the walk against corruption, urged youths to see opportunities in Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s government rather than engaging in acts inimical to the nation’s growth.
The Emir of Kaura Namoda, Major Sanusi Mohamed (rtd) described corruption as one of the factors that killed the nation’s economy, urging all hands to be on deck in the fight against the menace.
Also, Eze Abdulfatah Chimeze of Umuofor kingdom in Imo State, defined corruption as a mindset, adding that unless it is changed, the clamoured fight against corruption may remain elusive.
