Anti-corruption: Coalition drums support for Tinubu, EFCC boss

From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

A pressure group, the National Interest Coalition (NICO), has implored President Bola Tinubu and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC),  Ola Olukoyede, to remain steadfast in the fight against corruption.

The coalition, which spoke through its convener Bashir Saleh Abdu, at a press briefing in Abuja, said the anti-graft agency should  be supported in its quest to  tackle corruption in the country.

The group alleged plans by some unscrupulous elements to derail the war against corruption and urged the EFCC not to bow to blackmail.

“We stand today at a very critical junction in our nation’s history. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came into office with a clear promise—to renew hope, to clean up the rot in our public institutions, and to make government work again for the people. “One of the boldest fronts of this renewed hope agenda is the war against corruption—a war that Nigerians of conscience must not allow to be sabotaged. Since May 29, 2023, the Tinubu administration has made unprecedented strides in strengthening the anti-corruption framework and reforming the criminal justice system. Among the key milestones are,” it stated.

The coalition added that the government has strengthened the anti-graft war by pursuing reforms that have rekindled public interest in quest for probity in the public and private sectors. The reforms, according to them, include “granting the EFCC and ICPC free hands to investigate and prosecute powerful individuals without political interference including those holding top government positions and heads of government business organizations.

“Overhauling the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and other fiscal controls to block leakages and wastage of public funds. Expanding the use of technology in revenue generation and monitoring to curb corruption in tax administration, ports, and customs.

“Strengthening the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) to ensure faster trials, discourage frivolous adjournments, and guarantee that corruption cases no longer drag endlessly in court.

“Promoting inter-agency collaboration that allows the EFCC, ICPC, CCB, NFIU, and law enforcement to operate in synergy. These reforms have rekindled public confidence that at last, Nigeria may be on the path to real accountability.”