Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has lamented the paradox in Nigerians’ stance on corruption, stating that while citizens criticize corruption, they also rally behind corrupt leaders when they are being prosecuted.
Olukoyede made the remarks on Friday in Abuja when he received officials of the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), led by Chris Olukolade, director of its board of trustees.
He emphasized that tackling corruption and financial crimes is essential for Nigeria’s development.
“One of the major problems in Nigeria which, when tackled, will make underdevelopment a thing of the past, is corruption and financial crimes,” Olukoyede said.
“A society that is ready to move forward is a responsibility not only of the government, but of the citizens. This is what has actually led some of us to be very committed to this cause. We are ready to go the whole hog to do what we need to do within the confines and provisions of the law and the power that the Constitution has conferred on us.”
“If everybody makes up his or her mind to do the right thing, we’ll move forward in this country.”
The EFCC boss stressed that the commission will continue to seek collaboration and synergy with stakeholders like CCC to enhance public awareness, strategic communication, and public engagement in the fight against financial crimes.
He, however, expressed disappointment in the inconsistency of Nigerians’ attitudes toward corruption.
“It is so unfortunate that the same people who approbate also reprobate at the same time,” Olukoyede noted.
“Everybody is crying that Nigerians are corrupt, that the system is corrupt; that corruption is killing us and destroying our system, but when we investigate high-profile cases and arraign people in court, the same people will carry placards and be supporting corrupt leaders.”
“It doesn’t show that we are serious about this fight, the fight is supposed to be a collaborative effort.”
