EFCC Chairman Urges Nigerians to Reject Support for Corrupt Individuals

Ola Olukoyede, EFCC Chairman, urged Nigerians to avoid supporting corrupt individuals during the 38th Anti-Corruption Situation Room. He stressed that such support undermines anti-corruption efforts, and various speakers stressed the need for collective action, integrity in leadership, and grassroots involvement in combating corruption throughout Nigerian society.

Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has urged Nigerians to abstain from supporting individuals charged with economic and financial crimes. He emphasized this point during the 38th Anti-Corruption Situation Room held in Abuja on February 27, 2025. He cautioned that such support undermines the fight against corruption and called for collective efforts to root out both minor and major corruption in Nigeria.

Olukoyede further implored citizens not to publicly defend those facing prosecution by the EFCC. “I urge you that when you see people whom we are prosecuting and we have shown you the evidence, don’t carry placards, don’t join them to fight us, because you are contributing to the problems,” he noted, emphasizing a need to prioritize integrity in leadership.

Dr. Kola Shetima and Dr. Aminu Salihu from the Macarthur Foundation echoed his sentiments in their goodwill messages, highlighting the importance of collective action to combat corruption, which they regard as Nigeria’s commonwealth. They stressed that Nigerians must take responsibility for their shared future as the well-being of the nation correlates with the fight against corruption.

Dr. Garba Abari, the chairman of the occasion, remarked on the need for focus not only on politically exposed individuals but also on civil servants and the private sector where much corruption occurs. He advocated for greater attention to local governance and autonomy, expressing gratitude towards the EFCC’s efforts to recover misappropriated funds.

Femi Falana, a prominent human rights lawyer, asserted that combating corruption effectively necessitates grassroots involvement. He encouraged citizens to demand accountability from their leaders and asked for education initiatives to enhance public awareness regarding budget allocations and governance.

Other speakers at the event, including Akintunde Sawyerr from the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, pointed out corruption’s threat to national well-being, advocating for transparency and ethical oversight in the use of government resources. They urged a proactive approach focusing on risk assessments and integrity as crucial strategies in the anti-corruption battle.

Professor Shehu Abdullahi from the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering highlighted the detrimental impact of corruption on social freedom and urged that every effective leader must embody integrity. He articulated the need for youths to take a stand against corruption as they shape the future, emphasizing a comprehensive and inclusive approach to fighting corruption.

The event underscored the necessity for Nigerians to guard against supporting corrupt practices and individuals. Emphasizing collective accountability and integrity, it called for a unified approach to combat the deep-rooted issue of corruption across all sectors. Furthermore, it highlighted the essential role of public involvement in demanding accountability and fostering ethical governance at all levels.

Original Source: www.efcc.gov.ng