CSOs Reiterate Support for EFCC, Says Stakeholders Have Roles to Play
The organization while making this commitment in Ibadan, at the “EFCC/CSOs Engagement“ programme that held in the state came up with suggestions in areas they think the EFCC can explore.
Executive Chairman, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, appreciated the strategic roles CSOs are playing in the fight against corruption, stating that engagement with them was to share ideas on how to deepen the fight against corruption.
Mr Olukoyede who spoke through the Ibadan Zonal Commander, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Halima Mustapha Rufa’u, lauded the CSOs for reviews of the Commission's works so as to enhance its performance.
“You are one of the most critical allies of the EFCC. Our partnership has been progressive and is still evolving. We greatly value your critical reviews as they have ensured that we remain faithful to the Nigerian people in the discharge of our mandate", he said. He further urged then to continue to align themselves with the progressive aspirations of Nigerians for corruption to be reduced to the barest minimum, if not completely eliminated.
The Deputy Director, Creative Communications, DCE Nwayinma Okeano, in her speech asked CSOs to correct people’s misconception about EFCC’s anti-corruption activities in their various communities. "Reorient the public about what we do. Let me say clearly that no crime is too big or too small. The same way we are arresting politicians, is also the same way we are arresting internet fraudsters", she said. She reassured them that the EFCC is open to the public, urging them to always send complaints and petitions using various channels of communication.
Dr. Rosemary Odigbo, on behalf of Civil Society Organizations, stressed that, the fight against corruption should not be left to the EFCC alone, pointing out that all citizens and stakeholders have roles to play through strategic partnerships. She enjoined the Commission to explore other areas in sending the anti-corruption message, such as entertainment, social media, partnering with telecommunication organizations, frequent town hall meetings, creating and sustaining advocacy groups, among others.
Discussions also centred on how ro incorporate corruption studies into school curriculum across the country. “As parents, it is our duty to start this fight from home when our children are young, encourage them to learn handwork to earn a living, because unemployment is one of the reasons why a lot of our youths are into crimes", they said.
Additionally, "we also want EFCC to go after musicians and celebrities who are promoting yahoo practices in their songs and lifestyle. They want the Commission to work more with the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission, NBC and the National Film and Video Censor Board for the regulation of contents that are not edifying the public. “ they said.
At the end of the interaction, a Communique to help strengthen the working relationship between the EFCC and CSOs in the Ibadan Zonal Command was issued.
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