The Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has called on all Nigerians to take a firm stance against corruption by refusing to defend or shield individuals who are accused of siphoning public funds for personal gain.
Speaking at the 38th Anti-Corruption Situation Room in Abuja on Thursday, Olukoyede addressed participants with a theme centered on the principles of ethics, integrity, risk assessments, and anti-corruption initiatives at the national and sub-national levels
He stressed that corruption undermines progress across all sectors of national development, including critical areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
“This fight is not just for the EFCC or the government; it is for all Nigerians,” he stated. “When we provide clear evidence that someone has stolen public money, do not rally in their defense. Instead, demand that they return what belongs to the people.”
Olukoyede further urged citizens to report incidents of corruption within their communities, emphasizing that inaction in the face of wrongdoing would only serve to prolong and exacerbate the detrimental effects of corruption on the country’s development and overall well-being.
“If we don’t stand against corruption, it will keep destroying our future. When funds meant for hospitals, schools, and water supply are stolen, it is the ordinary people who suffer the most,” he added.
The programme was organized jointly by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda Resource Centre, Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), with financial support provided by the MacArthur Foundation.
