In an address marking the 2024 African Anti-corruption Day in Kaduna, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, emphasizes that the fight against corruption cannot be won through mere lip service, emotional outbursts, or superficial mob campaigns. Corruption, a pervasive and recurring issue, has proven to be a bane to both local and global development.
Olukoyede underscored the essential elements required to combat corruption: unwavering commitment, unyielding passion, steadfast consistency, and the utmost credibility of intelligence.
Olukayode said, “Every whistle blown in the fight against corruption must be grounded in truth and supported by concrete evidence. False claims and misleading information will not be tolerated, as there are consequences for such acts.”
“The destructive impact of corruption on genuine development efforts is immeasurable due to its widespread nature.”
Olukoyede highlighted that, apart from terrorism, corruption stands as humanity’s next deadliest affliction, permeating every region of the world.
Considering the imminent danger and threat that corruption poses to our existence, Olukoyede implores individuals, communities, corporate entities, and the global community to unite and confront this menace head-on. One crucial avenue for collective action is the implementation of the whistle-blowing initiative.
He stated, “Nigeria’s Whistle-Blowing Policy, launched on December 21, 2016, by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Finance, stands as a cornerstone of the nation’s anti-corruption program”.
“Under this initiative, individuals are encouraged to voluntarily disclose information about fraud, bribery, misappropriation of government funds, financial misconduct, abuse or embezzlement of government assets, and any other form of corruption or theft”.
