- EFCC vows to deploy UN recommended corruption prevention template against corruption
Henry Uche, Lagos
Lawyers have bemoaned how corruption have impeded economic growth and development in Nigeria when state actors divert public resources, erode trust in institutions, create unfair business environment and hinders both domestic and foreign investments.
They expressed grief in Lagos during the Public Presentation of the 7th Edition of the Compendium on 100 High Profile Corruption Cases in Nigeria put together by the Human & Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) held in Lagos recently.
Speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr Ola Olukoyede, who was represented by EFCC Lagos Zonal Commander, Michael Wetkas, said he is committed to working with the corruption prevention template recommended by the United Nations Convention against corruption, noting that the Commission would will prioritize collaboration and local and foreign law enforcement agencies.
“All over the world, corruption is a threat to the growth and development of individuals and nations. No one is immune to the contagion of corruption which is why nations are united in finding solutions to this common ailment.”
“Only through professionalism and adherence to the rule of law will the Commission be able to contribute to economic growth by restoring investors’ confidence and trust in our economy,” he added.
Similarly, Hon. Justice Mojisola Olatoregun (Rtd.) said “Corruption undermines the very fabric of our society, eroding trust, hampering economic development, and obstructing the path to justice and equality. “Transparency, accountability and the dispensation of justice play pivotal roles in fostering a fair and equitable society.”
Olatoregun commended HEDA Resource Centre for conducting research and identifying new high-profile corruption cases, some of which are either not ignored, half – adjudicated and swept under the carpet or still ongoing. “HEDA is doing great work tirelessly in pursuit of justice to stamp out corruption”
On his part, the Attorney General / Commissioner of Justice of Lagos State, Mr Lawal Pedro, said, “One major step in our commitment to combating corruption in Lagos State is the enactment of the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission Law in the State.
“This legislative framework serves as a formidable tool in our arsenal against corruption, providing a legal foundation to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption within the state.
However, the Federal Government filed a suit challenging the constitutionality of the Law, thereby stalling the fight against corruption in the State, stressing that the Commission is under the capable leadership of Hon. Justice Mojisola Olatoregun (Rtd.).
He said, the establishment of this Commission underscores the State’s commitment to creating an environment where corruption finds no refuge. A clear indication that Lagos State is dedicated to ensuring that those who engage in corrupt practices are held accountable for their actions.
“We must therefore continue to strive for a fair and efficient system that holds individuals accountable for corrupt practices. Events like these underscore the importance of collaboration between civil society organisations, the legal community, and government agencies to tackle corruption head-on,” he added.
The Keynote Speech by the Principal Partner at WK Shittu & Co. and a Senior Lecturer at the Jurisprudence and International Law- Department of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Mr Wahab Shittu SAN, on the “Rule of Law, Effective Administration of Criminal Justice and Good Governance in the Prosecution of Corruption Cases in Nigeria” pointed that the rule of law, effective administration of criminal justice and good governance in the prosecution of corruption cases in Nigeria remain critical factors for the survival of Nigeria. For the rule of law to thrive, Nigerians must agree that it’s important to observe the law.”