At the 38th Anti-Corruption Situation Room, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede urged Nigerians not to support corrupt individuals, emphasizing the negative impact such actions have on the fight against corruption. Prominent speakers, including Dr. Kola Shetima and Femi Falana, echoed calls for collective responsibility, transparency, and grassroots engagement in anti-corruption efforts. The event underscored the necessity for stronger accountability measures across all sectors.
Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has urged Nigerians to avoid supporting individuals implicated in corruption or financial crimes. During the 38th Anti-Corruption Situation Room held on February 27, 2025, in Abuja, he emphasized that backing corrupt individuals complicates the fight against graft and urged citizens to remain vigilant and well-informed in their roles. He stated, “I urge you that when you see people whom we are prosecuting and we have shown you the evidence, don’t carry placards, don’t join them to fight us, because you are contributing to the problems.”
Dr. Kola Shetima, the Country Director of the Macarthur Foundation, along with Deputy Director Dr. Aminu Salihu, echoed the need for united action against corruption, underscoring Nigeria’s shared heritage and the collective responsibility of its citizens. They pointed out, “This country is our common wealth. We all have a share in our commonwealth,” highlighting the importance of communal efforts to combat corruption and improve the citizenry’s quality of life.
Dr. Garba Abari, the event’s chairman, noted that attention is disproportionately focused on politically exposed individuals while ignoring civil servants and the private sector’s role in corruption. He stressed that corruption is rampant at all levels of governance, reminding attendees of the need for greater transparency and local government autonomy. He appreciated the EFCC’s efforts in combating corruption, particularly in relation to the recovery of lost funds.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, advocated for grassroots involvement in the anti-corruption fight, emphasizing the necessity of holding leaders accountable. He stated that citizens should be encouraged to monitor budgets and ensure that funds destined for public welfare are properly utilized. Furthermore, he recommended that state governments establish anti-corruption agencies to enhance oversight.
Other speakers at the forum added their perspectives, including Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, who reiterated the ongoing threat of corruption. He advocated for greater transparency and accountability in resource management and emphasized that preventative measures are critical for effective anti-corruption strategies. Professor Shehu Abdullahi lamented the freedom lost to corruption, urging youths to take proactive stances against bribery and graft, and called for an integrated approach to fighting corruption that focuses on evidence-based solutions.
The remarks by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede and other key figures at the Anti-Corruption Situation Room highlight a collective resolve among stakeholders to address corruption in Nigeria. The emphasis on the need for vigilance, accountability, and grassroots involvement reflects a growing awareness that combating corruption requires a unified and comprehensive approach encompassing all societal sectors. Establishing integrity and ethical governance remains paramount in the pursuit of lasting change in Nigeria’s landscape.
Original Source: www.efcc.gov.ng
