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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s investigators have been cautioned to desist from demanding gratification and accepting bribes or face sanctions.
Its chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, gave the warning, yesterday, in his New Year address to the staff at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja
He expressed disappointment over the conduct of some staff who have developed penchant for gratification and bribe taking in the course of their official duties.
He warned that if those involved in such immoral acts did not turn a new leaf, they would face sanctions.
He cautioned the perpetrators to discontinue such immoral acts or face sanctions.
Olukoyede who used the occasion to review the activities of the anti-graft body in 2023, including its challenges and strength, and outlined the way forward, observed that since the last quarter of 2023 when he assumed office as chairman, the agency has been stabilised and fresh initiatives and policy direction put in place.
“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 the 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 call.
“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 to be in tune with the new arrangement.”
Olukoyede advised officers of the agency to familiarise themselves with the commission’s reviewed guidelines for arrests and bail. He said that any form of infraction by any staff of the commission in regards to requests for gratification and receiving of bribes would be dealt with the seriousness it deserved.
His words: “Let me also talk about the review of the arrest and bail guidelines which I expect everyone to be familiar with by now. The review is informed by the need for us to conform with international best practices in law enforcement. We are a civilised 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. Change is the most permanent fact of life. We should not be seen to be resisting changes in our work.
“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. 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.
“We are mindful of the increasing need for the welfare of staff, and steps are being taken in this regard. I may not talk about specifics. However, the new year promises to put smiles on the faces of staff across all the Commands.”
“We will continue to do our best to put all of you at your best. However, to whom much is given, much is expected.
“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.”
