NEWS DIGEST– In a move to enhance transparency and uphold the fight against corruption, Mr Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has directed all staff members of the commission to declare their assets in accordance with civil service regulations and procedures. Olukoyede gave this directive during an address to senior staff members at the EFCC Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity and being above reproach in the fight against corruption.
According to a statement by EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, Olukoyede assured the commission’s staff that strict adherence to the rule of law would guide their work. He emphasized that the EFCC, as an institution governed by the law, has a responsibility to operate within the dictates of the law.
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The chairman also stressed that declaring assets is a standard international practice that will be the established norm within the EFCC.
Olukoyede underlined the need for everyone within the commission to declare their assets, starting from level 17 downwards. He highlighted that he had already declared his assets, along with the commission’s secretary, and urged others not to be afraid to do the same. The chairman expressed his commitment to investigating the declared assets, emphasizing the importance of leading by example.
He emphasized that as anti-corruption fighters, it is essential for the EFCC staff to have clean hands and maintain transparency.
The EFCC chairman emphasized that combating corruption is crucial for instilling confidence in Nigeria’s economy and attracting investors. Olukoyede emphasized that investors must have faith in the country’s economy and that it is the responsibility of the EFCC to ensure accountable and transparent governance.
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He further urged the staff to put their house in order and uphold cleanliness in their work. Olukoyede stressed that he would treat everyone equally, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or region, and called on those compromising their positions to cease such misconduct, as severe consequences await any unsavoury behavior.
This directive from the EFCC chairman highlights the commitment of the commission to fighting corruption effectively and maintaining transparency within the organization. By declaring their assets and adhering to the rule of law, the staff members of the EFCC set a positive example for others and contribute to the overall goal of redeeming the image of the nation.
“The EFCC is a creation of the law. We must do our job in line with the dictates of the law. This is standard international practice and we would ensure that it is our established norm.
“All of us are going to declare our assets; from level 17, downwards. I did mine, so there’s no reason for anyone to be afraid to do the same. Even the commission’s secretary did. You all may also have done it in the past, but there’s a need for all of us to do it again.
“We will declare our assets, and we are going to investigate it. We must live above board by setting the pace with good examples. As anti-corruption fighters, our hands must be clean, so we must declare our assets,” the statement said.
He said the EFCC needed to rid the nation of corruption in order to boost investors’ confidence in Nigeria.
Olukoyede said, “Investors must have confidence in the economy and we must help the country to be governed in an accountable and transparent manner. By doing this, it will offer us a new direction to redeem the image of the nation.
“Please, I beg you, let our hands be clean and put our house in order. Some may not like me, but I am going to do the right thing and treat everybody equally, irrespective of religion, ethnicity and region.”
He therefore warned “those compromising their works and position to desist from such conduct, as dire consequences await every unsavoury tendency.”
