By Tayo Joseph, Lagos
The acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, has taken the challenge of fighting corruption to members of the Organized Labour, Civil Society Organizations, and social media personalities, stressing the need for a united front in the fight against corruption.
“We have reached a level where nobody can stop us in the fight against corruption, but we all must realize that we are all stakeholders, and this fight is for the future generation,” he said, at a parley with the stakeholders, which held in Abuja, September 13, 2017.
While describing corruption as “the major problem holding back the development of the country, and the root cause of every evil bedeviling Nigeria”, he opined that “the EFCC alone cannot fight corruption, and needs the support of everybody”.
“We’re calling on every Nigerian to join us, you can even return loot, face consequences then join us to fight corruption,” he added.
He used the opportunity to call on the stakeholders, to “step up the fight against corruption”, stressing that, “you are not doing it for yourself, but for the future of the country, the future generation, in order to bring back the change that we really crave for”.
He further expressed the resolve of the EFCC to intensify the anti-corruption campaign, urging the stakeholders to “maximize the political will being currently enjoyed under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Let us do the right thing and insist on it because change begins with you and me, from our household, to our kids, place of work and beyond, by also living a life of integrity,” he stressed.
Ayuba Wabba, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, commended the leadership of the EFCC for remaining steadfast in the fight against corruption. According to him, such efforts could only be successful, if the relevant laws are fully implemented.
“All Nigerians must play their roles, because EFCC can only do its best, but we must support the agency, and the law should take its course, policies should be strengthened, and punishment must be meted out in good time,” he said.
Dan Nwanyanwu, a lawyer and politician, used the opportunity to commend the EFCC, and stressed the importance of giving the anti-graft agency the necessary support.
“Every right thinking Nigerian must support every effort being carried out by the EFCC to recover our stolen money and our patrimony,” he said.
On his part, Dr. Joe Abah, former Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, also commended the EFCC for taking the gauntlet in the fight against corruption.
“EFCC is a strong institution and it is the same institution that has produced credible leaders from inception,” he said.
