Attahiru Jega, a former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to demonstrate that it remains impartial and not shielding any individual or group in its fight against corruption.
Jega, a professor of Political Science, stated this at the launch of a book entitled: “Curbing Electoral Spending” launched by the EFCC on Monday in Abuja. The book launch was to commemorate the 2019 International Anti-Corruption Day organised by the anti-graft agency.
The former INEC chairman, who reviewed the book, also said African countries must modify their strategies in their effort to fight corruption.
He said: “Here in Nigeria, where corruption is in the increase compared to other African countries, we need to take the fight seriously.
“It is a day for sober reflection for us and for reviewing our experiences and restrategise to find better ways and means of improving the successes in the fight against corruption.”
While commending the EFCC for its efforts thus far, Jega said the anti-graft agency must step up as the vice of corruption continues to spread across different parts of the country.
“While we commend them, they also need to intensify their efforts in the fight against corruption because we see that the more effort that is made, the more difficult it becomes.
“The EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies need to continue to demonstrate that there are no sacred cows in the fight against corruption.
“We will want to see a rededicated effort in terms of effective utilisation in governance of resource saved from corruption,” Jega added.
Professor Sadiq Radda, Secretary, Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption, said fighting corruption required political will and determination of the leaders.
“I believe, first and foremost, we should acknowledge the political will and the determination of the government led by the president to lead the fight.
“Without the support of the president, I think the kind of momentum we have regarding the fight against corruption woudn’t have been this much.
“I can say with the EFCC and ICPC of today, looters will have no hiding place in the world, because wherever they go, they will be arrested and brought back to the country,” Radda said.
Discussion about this post