The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) nationwide to sever ties with corrupt entities that perpetuate bad governance and exacerbate the suffering of Nigerians.
Speaking in Abuja during a meeting with executives from the Conference of Northern States Civil Society Networks, led by Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya, the EFCC Chairman Olukoyede condemned the actions of some CSOs.
He said: “Whatever that is not expedient should be abhorred. It is appalling to see Civil Society Organisations veer off their mandate and support bad governance.
“There are instances where some state governments deliberately set up and fund Civil Society Organisations to attack agencies set up to enforce anti-corruption laws,” he added.
Additionally, the EFCC boss criticized CSOs that defend individuals and groups indicted for corruption, emphasizing that such actions hinder national progress and development.
He continued, “The CSOs are critical to the fight against economic and financial crimes. Some of the high-profile cases the Commission has prosecuted were made possible by the efforts of some of the promoters of these CSOs.
“They are even playing the roles of prosecution witnesses in support of anti-graft agencies. That is why within six months of my appointment, I have met with the coalition of CSOs twice.
“To me, we cannot do it all alone. We surely need to collaborate to achieve the mandate.”
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Also, Olukoyede praised President Bola Tinubu for implementing measures such as the Consumer Credit and Students’ Loan Scheme, which he believes will significantly reduce corruption.
He remarked, “50 per cent of my job would have been done by the time these policies come on stream. Imagine workers getting car loans and mortgage loans at 3, 4 and 5 per cent to be repaid in the next 30 years.
“It will reduce corruption to the barest minimum.”
Similarly, Ambassador Waiya described the Conference as a network of non-governmental, non-partisan, not-for-profit, non-ethnic, and non-religious platforms aimed at advocating for best practices in democracy, accountable governance, and regional development.
Furthermore, Waiya emphasized the importance of CSOs working together to promote socio-economic, political, and infrastructural development in Northern Nigeria and beyond.
