The Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters in the office of the Vice President, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has commended the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede on his steady reform in the Commission in spite of attendant challenges.

He gave this commendation on Friday at the EFCC Management Retreat while making a presentation themed “Making a Success of the Anti -Corruption War in the Face of Daunting Challenges”. The Presidential aide admitted that the weak and disjointed value system in the country has made it easy for corruption to strive but commended Olukoyede for making impact in spite of all the handicaps.

 

He called on anti-corruption agencies to collaborate more and build stronger energy and synergy against corrupt practices, stressing that enhanced public awareness would do more in tackling the menace of economic and financial crimes. “We must widely intensify public awareness on the damage of corruption because we cannot defeat poverty and insecurity unless we defeat corruption”, he said.

 

The presidential aide also stressed the need for public ownership of the fight against corruption, maintaining that Olukoyede’s leadership of the EFCC would do the nation greater good. “I equally believe that there is a need to have a strong public presence where the Commission can garnish support from honest and patriotic Nigerians, I strongly believe that the leadership of your Chairman will succeed”, he said.

 

He specifically called for the establishment of special courts to deal with corruption cases to enhance accelerated resolution of  cases and help the Commission achieve its mandate.

 

In his response, Olukoyede appreciated Baba-Ahmed for the advice and encouragement, he further stated that with the support of everyone,  EFCC will succeed. “The challenge may be daunting and I believe if we are resolute , more people will support us. That is why when I came on board, I told my staff to declare their assets because you can’t fight corruption when you yourself are corrupt,  I always tell my staff that the best way you can do this work is to let your hands be clean”, he said.

 

Explaining further, he said, “Like If you see what is happening in the last few months, it will be unfair for anyone to say that we are biased, we are prosecuting across political parties because we have a leader in our President that we can work with.  I am proud to see someone like you in the Villa, because I strongly believe that having people like you advise the President is a huge thing for this country. We are going to end well and the EFCC will succeed”, he said.