Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has expressed optimism that the fight against corruption is achievable with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Olukoyede stated this on Wednesday when the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and its members paid a courtesy visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.
Olukoyede noted that President Tinubu was passionate enough to fight corruption in Nigeria.
“The fight against corruption is achievable, especially with the passion and political will of President Bola Tinubu,” he said.
“One of the things that has made us believe and kept me optimistic about the fact that now we are ready to do something is the commitment of the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. Every time I see him, I see that passion in him.”
Olukoyede called for synergy and collective responsibility amongst anti-graft agencies, saying that in-fighting among anti-graft agencies will not help in the fight against corruption.
“As an Agency, our mandate is to fight economic and financial crimes and there is no way you will be successful in this fight without public engagement. One thing I have discovered in the anti-corruption fight is the need for collective responsibility,” Olukoyede said.
“I see Nigerians looking at this fight as a fight between EFCC and the rest of Nigerians or between ICPC or any other relevant Agency and the rest of Nigerians. As long as we continue on that particular note, there is no way we will make progress.”
The EFCC chairman appreciated the Institute and assured the President of more collaborative engagement with the apex public relations body.
Olukoyede further called for greater efforts towards public awareness and sensitization concerning the menace of corruption, maintaining that publicity and collective responsibility are crucial to achieve success in the anti-corruption fight.
On his part, the President of the NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku commended Olukoyede on his focus and determination in tackling economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.
He said that the EFCC chairman, since assuming office, has been focused on dealing with corrupt practices thereby reviving the hopes of Nigerians for economic development.
