- Olukoyede admits adverse public opinions against detectives
- Vows to punish officers who tarnish image of commission
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that some investigators of the commission take bribes and compromise the fight against corruption.
In his New Year address to the staff of the EFCC on Thursday, Olukoyede said he would not hesitate to punish any officer who tarnishes the image of the EFCC.
“At this point, I need to strongly reiterate the issue of discipline, integrity and sense of responsibility in the way we do our work. Public opinions about the conduct of some of our investigators are adverse.
“The craze and quest for gratification, bribes and other compromises by some of our investigators are becoming too embarrassing and this must not continue.
“Let me sound a note of warning in this regard. I will not hesitate to wield the big stick against any form of infraction by any staff of the Commission.”
Olukoyede said the Department of Internal Affairs has been directed to be more ardent in its work and monitor every staff in all their engagements.
“The image of the Commission is too important to be placed on the line by any corrupt officer,” Olukoyede said.
He explained that the EFCC’s new policy drive is premised on a three-pronged agenda and blueprint.
He stated that the first plank of the agenda is proper focusing of the mandate of the EFCC, secondly to put modalities in place for running the administration and governance of the nation at various levels.
Also, building and promoting the international image and reputation of Nigeria in the eye of the world as a country that is worthy of attracting foreign direct investments.
On the review of the arrest and bail guidelines, the chairman said the EFCC is informed by the need to conform to international best practices in law enforcement.
“We are a civilized anti-graft agency. Arrest and bail would henceforth be done in line with the rule of law. Our investigators should particularly take note of this. It is important for us to understand the dynamics of the world in the area of law enforcement,” Olukoyede said.
While noting that the preceding year threw up monstrous challenges on the corporate strength of the EFCC, he added that the commission has been able to stabilise the system and roll out fresh initiatives and policy direction for the EFCC following his appointment as chairman which came in the last quarters of 2023.
Olukoyede said, “As you would recall, our new policy drive is premised on a three-pronged agenda and blueprint. The first plank of the agenda is properly focusing on the mandate of the EFCC. All over the world, the major objective of the war against corruption and financial crimes is to drive economic development and create wealth and job opportunities for the populace. We need to come to these realities and operate by them. Our nation is in dire straits. We need to continue to do everything possible to stimulate the revenue profile of Nigeria.
“There is no agency of government as crucial to the nation’s quest for growth and development as the EFCC. We have all it takes to bring up the profile and developmental index of our nation. I urge all of you to be steadfast and committed to this clarion.
“The second plank of our policy direction is putting modalities in place for running the administration and governance of the nation at various levels in a most responsible, accountable and transparent manner as well as building and promoting the international image and reputation of Nigeria in the eye of the world as a country that is worthy of attracting foreign direct investments. To achieve all these, preventive mechanisms against corruption, adherence to the rule of law and engagement of diverse publics in the nation in the fight, are imperative.
“I equally talk about the overarching need for a transactional credit system as a potent means of keeping corruption at bay. We need to encourage this and motivate Nigerians in this area. I want to particularly harp on the preventive modality which is the centerpiece of our new engagement. We are already building strength in this area through the restructuring of the layers of the Commission. I want every staff member to be in tune with the new arrangement.”
He further hinted at the need for staff members of the EFCC to familiarise themselves with the commission’s reviewed guidelines for arrests and bail.
“Lastly, I have always said that we are all privileged to be staff of the EFCC. There is this Latin phrase that says, noblesse oblige, meaning, nobility demands responsibility. This is the crux of the matter. We should dignify the privilege of being EFCC staff with proportionate responsibility. It is both a duty and an obligation. I wish you all the best in the New Year.”
In May last year, the former Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, accused the former Chairman of the EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, of demanding a $2 million bribe from him.
Matawalle, now the Minister of State for Defence, called for Bawa’s resignation, saying he had questions to answer on corruption.
However, the then EFCC Chairman responded that he had nothing to hide while asking Matawalle to petition appropriate authorities if he had any evidence against him.
However, speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa, Matawalle insisted that Bawa could not be trusted.
Matawalle said, “It is not just to always blame governors. It is not only governors who have treasury, the Federal Government also has. What does the EFCC boss do to them? As he is claiming he has evidence on governors, let him show the world evidence of those at the federal level.
“If he exits office, people will surely know he is not an honest person. I have evidence against him. Let him vacate the office, I am telling you within 10 seconds probably more than 200 people will bring evidence of bribes he collected from them. He knows what he requested from me but I declined.
“He requested a bribe of $2 million from me and I have evidence of this. He knows the house we met; he invited me and told me the conditions. He told me governors were going to his office but I did not. If I don’t have evidence, I won’t say this.”
