Laraba MUREY
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has urged Nigerians to stop supporting people involved in corruption.
He added that backing such individuals makes the fight against corruption more difficult.
Olukoyede gave this warning in Abuja on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the 38th Anti-Corruption Situation Room, ACSR, organized by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda, HEDA.
Speaking on the topic “Ethics, Integrity, Corruption Risk Assessments and Anti-Corruption at National and Sub-National Levels”, he stressed that Nigerians should not defend people facing corruption charges, especially when there is evidence against them.
“I urge you, when you see people we are prosecuting, and we have shown you the evidence, don’t carry placards or support them against us. Doing so worsens the problem. We must fight corruption at all levels and allow people to enjoy the true benefits of democracy,” he said.
Olukoyede called on Nigerians to support honest leaders and promised that the EFCC would continue its work without fear or favor.
Other speakers at the event also highlighted the dangers of corruption. Representatives from the MacArthur Foundation, Dr. Kola Shetima and Dr. Aminu Salihu, said Nigeria’s wealth belongs to all citizens and must be protected.
“This is our country, and we have no other place to go. Corruption affects all of us, so we must work together to stop it,” they said.
The Chairman of the event, Dr. Garba Abari, pointed out that too much focus is placed on corrupt politicians, while civil servants and private sector workers are often ignored.
“There is a lot of corruption in the public service and private sector, especially through banks. We also need to pay attention to corruption at the local government level,” he said.
Senior lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) also spoke at the event. He said fighting corruption requires the involvement of ordinary Nigerians.
“We must go to the grassroots and ensure that public funds are properly used. People must be aware of government budgets and hold leaders accountable,” he said.
Other speakers, including the Managing Director of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, Akintunde Sawyerr, and former GIABA Director-General, Professor Shehu Abdullahi, emphasized the need for accountability, integrity, and preventive measures in tackling corruption.
Abdullahi noted that young people have a key role to play in demanding a corruption-free society.
“Corruption takes away people’s freedom and allows bad leaders to thrive. We need an approach that is fair, transparent, and inclusive,” he said.
