The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) asserted that no former governor entangled in corruption allegations is exempt from investigation, emphasizing its commitment to eradicating the pervasive issue of corruption in Nigeria.
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The declaration came during a one-day EFCC Civil Society Organisations engagement held in Sokoto on Thursday, November 30.
The event, which drew participants from Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states, featured the EFCC’s Zonal Commander, ACE Aliyu Yunusa, who addressed misconceptions about the agency’s stance on probing past governors. Yunusa, accompanied by his deputy, Adesola Amusan.
Yunusa identified several challenges hindering the agency’s effectiveness, including technological limitations, insufficient public cooperation, religious and tribal sentiments, and data-related constraints.
He said:
“Our core mandate remains and we are determined and resolute to achieve results with the active collaboration of Nigerians particularly the CSO who are equally drivers of our mandate to success.
“We rely on the Nigeria public and organised bodies to nip in the bud, corruption and other economic crimes for a sound Nigeria.”
Yunusa seized the opportunity to dispel the misconception that the commission refrains from investigating former governors.
He said:
“No past governor or anyone is exempted from our investigation where a petition is received.”
Despite acknowledging the challenge of a lean workforce, he emphasized the agency’s commitment to collaborating with other constitutional bodies to combat corruption effectively.
During the engagement, Yunusa reassured the public that the whistle-blower policy remained active, contributing significantly to the successful discharge of the commission’s duties.
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Notably, he disclosed the agency’s reluctance to frequently opt for the plea bargain, emphasizing a preference for stringent anti-corruption measures.
He noted:
“And let me explain that whatever is recovered by the commission including forfeiture, goes to the government and straight into the recovery account with the CBN.”
Aisha Muhammad, the EFCC official in charge of Enlightenment and Information, stressed the pivotal role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the fight against corruption. Muhammad highlighted the grassroots presence of CSOs, which the commission aims to leverage in disseminating its anti-corruption message.
She further revealed the commission’s efforts to establish clubs in schools, fostering a culture of zero tolerance for corruption among the younger generation.
She stated:
“Our doors are open and we are ready to responsively collaborate for the promotion of youth programmes on anti-corruption.”