The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a stern warning to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to distance themselves from corrupt individuals and elements promoting bad governance.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, delivered this message during a meeting with the executives of the Conference of Northern States Civil Society Networks in Abuja. Olukoyede emphasized that CSOs must avoid any collaboration or support that could undermine the fight against corruption and economic crimes in Nigeria.
The meeting, held at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, gathered representatives from various CSOs across the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory to discuss the critical role of CSOs in promoting good governance and accountability in Nigeria.
Olukoyede expressed concern over instances where some state governments deliberately establish and fund CSOs to attack agencies enforcing anti-corruption laws. He urged CSOs to play a more critical role in societal development, stating, “Whatever is not expedient should be abhorred. It is appalling to see Civil Society Organisations veer off their mandate and support bad governance. Such tendencies are against the nation’s progress and development. Their platforms are not meant for such engagements.”
The EFCC chairman commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing measures on Consumer Credit and the Students’ Loan Scheme, which he believes will significantly curb corruption. “Fifty percent of my job would be done by the time these policies come on stream. Imagine workers getting car loans and mortgage loans at 3, 4, and 5 percent to be repaid over 30 years. It will reduce corruption to the barest minimum,” Olukoyede stated.
He acknowledged the efforts of some CSOs in supporting the fight against economic and financial crimes and urged them to continue playing a vital role. “The CSOs are critical to the fight against economic and financial crimes. Some high-profile cases the Commission has prosecuted were made possible by the efforts of some of these CSO promoters,” he added.
Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya, leading the Conference of Northern States Civil Society Networks, commended Olukoyede for his efforts against Naira abuse and the noticeable shift in the war against economic and financial crimes. Waiya described the Conference as a regional network advocating for best practices of democracy, accountable governance, and development in Northern Nigeria and beyond.
The group called for greater grassroots penetration to neutralize false narratives and campaigns against the Commission and sought closer collaboration with the EFCC to ensure optimal results in the fight against corruption.
