The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called on Nigerians to take a firm stance against corruption by refusing to defend individuals accused of looting public funds.
Speaking at the 38th Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR) Conference in Abuja on Thursday, Olukoyede emphasized that corruption undermines national development, affecting infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
“This fight is not just for the EFCC or the government; it is for all Nigerians,” he stated. “When we provide clear evidence that someone has stolen public money, do not rally in their defense. Instead, demand that they return what belongs to the people.”
He also encouraged citizens to report corrupt activities in their communities, warning that continued inaction would hinder national progress.
Calls for Stronger Action Against Corruption Defenders
Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, urged anti-corruption agencies to take firmer steps, including legal action against individuals organizing protests in defense of corrupt officials.
“It is not freedom of expression when people gather to protect someone who has stolen public money. That is freedom to support corruption,” Falana argued.
He further called for the establishment of anti-corruption agencies at state and local government levels, stressing that corruption is rampant beyond the federal level.
Impact of Corruption on Nigerians
The Country Director of the MacArthur Foundation, Kole Shettima, highlighted the devastating impact of corruption on essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
“It’s not just about quoting sections of the law. It’s about real issues—water, education, electricity, maternal health. If we do not fight corruption effectively, the most vulnerable in our society will continue to suffer,” Shettima stated.
He cited instances where mismanaged funds have threatened access to life-saving services, including HIV/AIDS treatment, urging accountability that leads to real change.
Strengthening Anti-Corruption Efforts
Olanrewaju Suraju, Convener of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), stressed that law enforcement agencies must take decisive action beyond making promises.
“It is not for civil society organizations or the media to do the biting; it is for law enforcement agencies. The EFCC must ensure it delivers on its mandate,” he stated.
The conference, themed “Ethics, Integrity, Corruption Risk Assessments, and Anti-Corruption at National and Sub-National Levels in Nigeria: Sustaining the Fight Against Corruption”, gathered key stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.
The event was organized by HEDA Resource Centre in partnership with the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the EFCC, with support from the MacArthur Foundation.
