President Bola Tinubu declared that corruption remains a pervasive threat to Nigeria’s prosperity, sparing no one in its reach. Speaking at the 6th Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and National Judicial Institute (NJI) Workshop for Justices and Judges in Abuja on Monday, Tinubu called for a united front against economic and financial crimes.
The atmosphere was tense as Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Tinubu, took the podium. His words cut through the air, leaving no room for ambiguity.
No Nigerian is immune from corruption,” Shettima declared, his voice echoing through the halls. It’s a cancer which continues to deny the nation the full benefits of its God-given resources.
The vice president’s statement sent a murmur through the crowd, composed of judges, lawyers, government officials, and civil society representatives. Many nodded in agreement, while others exchanged worried glances.
Tinubu’s message was clear: the fight against corruption cannot be left to anti-corruption agencies alone. He urged all Nigerians to join forces in tackling this “common enemy.
Rather than look up only to the anti-corruption agencies for a solution to this malaise,” Shettima continued, “I believe it is in our enlightened collective interest to close ranks and aggressively tackle this common enemy.
The president acknowledged improvements in the prosecution of corruption cases, crediting recent justice sector reforms. However, he didn’t shy away from addressing persistent obstacles.
“Frivolous applications and appeals, intimidation of judges by counsel, judgments not based on facts of cases but on technicalities,” Tinubu listed, his tone grave. “These challenges impeding the speedy adjudication of corruption cases must be frontally tackled.”
Turning his attention to the EFCC, Tinubu praised the agency for its “courageous and focused efforts” in combating corrupt practices. He pledged continued support, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the commission’s mandate.
We will continue to support the work of the EFCC,” Shettima affirmed, “to ensure that it continues to deliver its statutory mandate without let or hindrance.
Following the president’s address, EFCC Chairman Mr. Ola Olukoyede took the stage, shedding light on the challenges faced by the commission in its anti-corruption efforts.
The specter of frequent adjournments of high-profile corruption cases arising from frivolous applications, conflicting orders by courts of coordinate jurisdiction, intemperate contempt orders hauled at the Commission’s leadership, unwarranted orders of injunction restraining the Commission from investigating cases,” Olukoyede enumerated, his frustration palpable. These are among a plethora of issues that bother the EFCC.”
In a revelation that drew gasps from the audience, Olukoyede disclosed that the EFCC is currently unable to conduct investigations in at least 10 states of the federation. This roadblock, he explained, stems from suspects seeking court injunctions to prevent the EFCC from inviting, investigating, interrogating, or arresting them.
It’s a cat and mouse game,” remarked Justice Amina Augie (retired), who was in attendance. But we must find a way to balance the rights of individuals with the need for thorough investigations.
Despite these challenges, Olukoyede emphasized that the EFCC remains undeterred. He highlighted the commission’s shift towards corruption prevention, announcing the establishment of the Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC) unit.
“We are convinced that it is ultimately more profitable to prevent than to investigate and prosecute corruption cases,” Olukoyede stated, his words met with approving nods from many in the audience.
The EFCC chairman stressed the importance of stakeholder involvement in the fight against corruption. He referenced a recent Stakeholders Dialogue on cybercrime as an example of the commission’s commitment to collaboration.
“As a Commission, our efforts at integrating stakeholders in the fight against corruption are continuous,” Olukoyede assured the gathering.
As the workshop, themed “Integrating Stakeholders in Curbing Economic and Financial Crimes,” progressed, discussions centered on practical steps to enhance anti-corruption efforts.
Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Chief Justice of Nigeria, who was also present, emphasized the judiciary’s role. We must ensure that our courts are not used as tools to obstruct justice,” he stated firmly. “The judiciary will continue to support legitimate anti-corruption efforts.”
As the day’s proceedings drew to a close, the message was clear: combating corruption in Nigeria requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society. From the highest offices of government to the ordinary citizen, everyone has a role to play in this crucial fight.
President Tinubu’s stark warning serves as a reminder of the work that lies ahead. But with renewed commitment from the government, strengthened anti-corruption agencies, and increased public awareness, there’s hope that Nigeria can turn the tide against this pervasive threat to its prosperity.
