The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, has lamented the trend towards gratification and the quest for bribes by some of the commission’s investigators.
He cautioned the perpetrators to discontinue such immoral acts or face sanctions.
Olukoyede stated this on Thursday in his New Year’s address to staff members of the anti-graft agency at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
While noting that the preceding year threw up monstrous challenges for the corporate strength of the EFCC, he added that the commission has been able to stabilise the system and roll out fresh initiatives and policy direction for the EFCC following his appointment as chairman, which came in the last quarters of 2023.
Olukoyede said, “As you would recall, our new policy drive is premised on a three-pronged agenda and blueprint. The first plank of the agenda is properly focusing on the mandate of the EFCC. All over the world, the major objective of the war against corruption and financial crimes is to drive economic development and create wealth and job opportunities for the populace. We need to come to terms with these realities and operate by them. Our nation is in dire straits. We need to continue to do everything possible to stimulate the revenue profile of Nigeria.
“There is no agency of government as crucial to the nation’s quest for growth and development as the EFCC. We have all it takes to raise the profile and developmental index of our nation. I urge all of you to be steadfast and committed to this clarion.
“The second plank of our policy direction is putting modalities in place for running the administration and governance of the nation at various levels in a most responsible, accountable, and transparent manner, as well as building and promoting the international image and reputation of Nigeria in the eyes of the world as a country that is worthy of attracting foreign direct investments. To achieve all these, preventive mechanisms against corruption, adherence to the rule of law, and engagement of diverse publics in the nation in the fight, are imperative.
“I equally talk about the overarching need for a transactional credit system as a potent means of keeping corruption at bay. We need to encourage this and motivate Nigerians in this area. I want to particularly focus on the preventive modality, which is the centrepiece of our new engagement. We are already building strength in this area through the restructuring of the layers of the Commission. I want every staff to be in tune with the new arrangement.”
He further hinted at the need for staff members of the EFCC to familiarise themselves with the commission’s reviewed guidelines for arrests and bail.
This was as the EFCC boss warned that he would not hesitate to wield the big stick against any form of infraction by any staff of the commission in regards to requests for gratification and the receiving of bribes.
Olukoyede added, “Let me also talk about the review of the arrest and bail guidelines, which I expect everyone to be familiar with by now. The review is informed by the need for us to conform to international best practices in law enforcement. We are a civilised anti-graft agency. Arrest and bail would henceforth be done in line with the rule of law. Our investigators should particularly take note of this. It is important for us to understand the dynamics of the world in the area of law enforcement. Change is the most permanent fact of life. We should not be seen to be resisting changes in our work.
“At this point, I need to strongly reiterate the issue of discipline, integrity, and a sense of responsibility in the way we do our work. Public opinions about the conduct of some of our investigators are adverse. The craze and quest for gratification, bribes, and other compromises by some of our investigators are becoming too embarrassing, and this must not continue. Let me sound a note of warning in this regard. I will not hesitate to wield the big stick against any form of infraction by any staff of the Commission. The Department of Internal Affairs has been directed to be more ardent in its work and monitor every staff in all their engagements. The image of the Commission is too important to be placed on the line by any corrupt officer.
“We are mindful of the increasing need for the welfare of staff, and steps are being taken in this regard. I may not talk about specifics. However, the new year promises to bring smiles to the faces of staff across all the commands. We will continue to do our best to put all of you at your best. However, to whom much is given, much is expected.
“Lastly, I have always said that we are all privileged to be staff of the EFCC. There is this Latin phrase that says, noblesse oblige, meaning, nobility demands responsibility. This is the crux of the matter. We should dignify the privilege of being EFCC staff with proportionate responsibility. It is both a duty and an obligation. I wish you all the best in the New Year.”
