Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede on Thursday lamented that the quest for bribes and gratification by the commission’s investigators is becoming too embarrassing.
Olukoyede, in his New Year address, said ‘I need to strongly reiterate the issue of discipline, integrity and sense of responsibility in the way we do our work. Public opinions about the conduct of some of our investigators are adverse.
“The craze and quest for gratification, bribes and other compromises by some of our investigators are becoming too embarrassing and this must not continue. Let me sound a note of warning in this regard. I will not hesitate to wield the big stick against any form of infraction by any staff of the Commission.
“The Department of Internal Affairs has been directed to be more ardent in its work and monitor every staff in all their engagements. The image of the Commission is too important to be placed on the line by any corrupt officer,” he said.
The EFCC chairman also spoke about the review of the arrest and bail guidelines, saying the review was informed by the need to conform with international best practices in law enforcement.
“We are a civilized anti-graft agency. Arrest and bail would henceforth be done in line with the rule of law. Our investigators should particularly take note of this. It is important for us to understand the dynamics of the world in the area of law enforcement. Change is the most permanent fact of life. We should not be seen to be resisting changes in our work,” he stated.
According to him, there is no agency of government as crucial to the nation’s quest for growth and development as the EFCC.
“We have all it takes to bring up the profile and developmental index of our nation. I urge all of you to be steadfast and committed to this clarion.
“The second plank of our policy direction is putting modalities in place for running the administration and governance of the nation at various levels in a most responsible, accountable and transparent manner as well as building and promoting the international image and reputation of Nigeria in the eye of the world as a country that is worthy of attracting foreign direct investments.
“To achieve all these, preventive mechanisms against corruption, adherence to the rule of law and engagement of diverse publics in the nation in the fight, are imperative,” he added.
