The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called on Nigerians to actively participate in the fight against corruption by embracing the government’s whistle-blowing policy.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, July 11, 2024, during a gathering at the Unity Fountain to mark the 2024 African Anti-Corruption Day, Olukoyede emphasized the importance of the whistle-blowing initiative in combating economic and financial crimes.
The whistle-blowing policy, launched by the Federal Government on December 21, 2016, encourages individuals to voluntarily disclose information about fraud, bribery, looted government funds, financial misconduct, and other forms of corruption. This year’s African Anti-Corruption Day theme, “Effective Whistleblowing for Corruption-Free Nigeria,” underscores the policy’s role in promoting transparency and accountability.
Olukoyede highlighted the critical need for enhanced commitment to whistleblowing across all sectors of society to effectively tackle corruption, which he described as a significant threat to national development and security. “Aside from terrorism, corruption ranks as the next deadliest affliction of humanity worldwide,” he stated, stressing the collective responsibility in combating this menace.
“We cannot win the war against corruption through lip service or emotional outbursts,” Olukoyede continued. “It requires absolute commitment, integrity, and credible intelligence. Every whistle blown must lead to actionable truth and evidential proofs.”
Various stakeholders present at the event expressed their support for the EFCC’s anti-corruption efforts. Joe Ajearo, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), affirmed the union’s solidarity with the EFCC, particularly in prosecuting officials implicated in corruption cases affecting workers’ welfare.
Adams Otakwu, Chairperson of the Conference of Civil Society and Coordinator of Civil Military Cooperation (CIMCO), commended the EFCC for rallying Nigerians against corruption, emphasizing its pervasive impact on national security and stability.
The day in Abuja was marked by a vibrant road walk led by Olukoyede and EFCC staff, starting from the Wuse 2 Zonal office through Maitama streets to the Unity Fountain. Similar activities resonated across EFCC Zonal Commands nationwide, including Lagos, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, and other cities, where stakeholders were briefed on the importance of whistleblowing in combating corruption.
