Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has urged Nigerians to show a level of patriotism in midst of volatile foreign exchange rate.
In a statement by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale on Friday, the EFCC boss made the appeal while receiving a fellowship of Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria, (CIFCFIN) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
He noted that the country’s foreign exchange rates rather than being driven by market forces are now being determined by forces of speculation, urging Nigerians to support every effort being made to sanitise and strengthen the economy.
The EFCC boss said, “Nigerians should be more patriotic. Somebody who gets fish from the river, dries it within the country will tell you that it is the dollar that made him or her increase the price. More than 90 per cent of the raw materials for cement is derived in Nigeria. I think we all need to be more patriotic and join hands together to grow the economy.”
Speaking on his award, Olukoyede thanked the Institute for the honour done to him and promised to abide by the rules and regulations governing it.
Earlier, CIFCFIN President and Chairman, Governing Council, Dr. Ilyasu Gashinbaki said the fellowship was only conferred on persons the Institute considers worthy in character and professional calling “and reserved for people of distinction.”
“On this note therefore, by the powers conferred on me as the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria, I, Dr. Ilyasu Gashinbaki, confer on you, the fellowship of the Institute as a fellow, Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria.” He said.
Gashinbaki also lauded the EFCC boss on his strides in tackling the current foreign exchange crisis in the country, urging him to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book irrespective of social status.
He said, “As the steps are reinforced, we want to call on the Commission to ensure that everyone that is involved, the high and the mighty, the politicians and the banks are called to order so that our country is not destroyed. “
