In a move to maintain transparency and integrity within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Chairman of the commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has directed all staff members to promptly declare their assets, aligning with civil service regulations and procedures.
Mr. Olukoyede issued this directive during an address to senior staff members at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, emphasizing the crucial role of upholding ethics in the fight against corruption.
He stressed that fighting corruption required those at the forefront of the battle to set an example by adhering to the rule of law, which would be a fundamental principle governing their work.
“The EFCC is a creation of the law. We must do our job in line with the dictates of the law. This is a standard international practice, and we will ensure it becomes our established norm,” said Mr. Olukoyede.
The EFCC Chairman reaffirmed his commitment to this initiative, stating, “All of us are going to declare our assets; from Level 17, downward. I did mine, so there’s no reason for anyone to be afraid to do the same. Even the commission’s secretary did it. You all may also have done it in the past, but there’s a need for all of us to do it again. We will declare our assets, and we are going to investigate them.”
In order to set the benchmark for ethical conduct, Mr. Olukoyede urged EFCC staff members to lead by example and live above reproach. He emphasized that as anti-corruption advocates, they must maintain a clean record by declaring their assets.
The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, quoted Mr. Olukoyede in a statement to the press, saying, “We must live above board by setting the pace with good examples. As anti-corruption fighters, our hands must be clean, so we must declare our assets.”
In addition to emphasizing the importance of professionalism, the Chairman called on EFCC staff to focus on the core mission of combating economic and financial crimes. He stressed that their efforts should contribute to the nation’s economic growth, foster an environment conducive to increased investment, and bolster the economy’s productive foundation.
Mr. Olukoyede also highlighted the significance of instilling confidence in the nation’s economy among investors and ensuring transparent governance. He stated, “By doing this, it will offer us a new direction to redeem the image of the nation.”
The Chairman assured EFCC staff members of an improved welfare package, enhanced training opportunities, and equal access to promote higher productivity. He issued a stern warning to those compromising their roles and positions, asserting that dire consequences awaited any unethical behavior.
Mr. Olukoyede concluded by underlining his commitment to fairness and impartiality, regardless of factors such as religion, ethnicity, or regional affiliations.
