The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) has praised EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede for sacking officials involved in corruption and misconduct, describing the move as a major step toward restoring public trust in the anti-graft agency.

In a statement signed by HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society group applauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for taking firm action against officials found guilty of corrupt practices.

The organisation specifically praised the dismissal of top prosecutor Samuel Chime and other officers after an investigative panel found them guilty of collecting bribes to sabotage cases.

HEDA described the decision as bold and necessary for strengthening the credibility of Nigeria’s leading anti-corruption agency.

The group noted that public institutions must hold officials accountable regardless of their rank or position.

“Holding public officers accountable, regardless of their position, is essential to preserving the credibility of anti-corruption institutions. The action taken by the EFCC leadership sends a strong signal that misconduct and abuse of office will not be tolerated within the Commission,” the statement said.

However, HEDA urged Olukoyede to go beyond dismissal and ensure that the affected officers face prosecution.

“We are also calling on the EFCC chairman to ensure that Mr. Chime and other corrupt officers who were sacked are brought to book to face the full wrath of the law.

The anti-corruption agencies must continually uphold the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and accountability in order to maintain public trust and effectively discharge their mandates,” the statement added.

According to Suraju, the fight against corruption must begin within institutions responsible for enforcing accountability.

He stressed that internal reforms and strict discipline remain vital for building a credible anti-corruption system.

The organisation, however, called for stronger protection of citizens against abuse of power, selective enforcement, and unethical conduct by public officials.

HEDA maintained that fairness, transparency, and respect for the rule of law must remain at the centre of anti-corruption efforts across the country.

In response, the group reaffirmed its support for initiatives that strengthen accountability institutions and promote integrity, transparency, and justice in Nigeria’s public sector.

External Links
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)⁠
Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA)⁠
Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC)⁠

Lagos, July 11, 2023 -The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) and the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch (CEFTIW) are set to host a two-day National Conference on Anti-Corruption from July 11 to July 12 in Abuja.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Chairman, HEDA, Mr Olanrewaju Suraju, and made available to newsmen in Lagos.

Suraju said that the conference would center on the theme: “Nigeria and the Fight Against Corruption – Reviewing the Buhari Regime and Setting Agenda for the Tinubu Administration.”

The chairman said that the conference is supported by the MacArthur Foundation.

He said that the keynote speech is expected to be delivered by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, with the Vice President, Mr. Kashim Shettima as the Special Guest of Honour.

He said that Heads of Nigeria’s Courts and other prominent stakeholders would be Guests of Honour at the event.

He said that the outcomes of the conference would be instrumental in shaping the Tinubu administration’s anti-corruption agenda and its engagement by Stakeholders, providing a comprehensive guide for all sectors and stakeholders to effectively contribute to the fight against corruption.

He said that the conference is set to commence on the African Day Against Corruption, with attendees eagerly looking forward to engaging in productive exchange of ideas and experiences.

According to him, the conference holds significant importance as it seeks to address the scrutiny faced by the Nigerian government’s anti-corruption efforts during President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure in the last eight years and the consequent questions arising regarding the effectiveness of these measures, with conflicting reports complicating the assessment.

He said that a study titled “Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends,” jointly published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in December 2019, highlighted a reduction in corruption levels as experienced by the population.

He said that in spite of the report, Nigeria’s ranking in the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index remains low.

“The fight against corruption is an ongoing challenge, but it also presents opportunities for improvement.”

Suraja expressed optimism that the recent inauguration of President Bola Tinubu’s administration has raised hope for tackling corruption.

He said that the two-day conference and dinner aim to facilitate comprehensive discussions and expert presentations on the challenges and opportunities in the fight against corruption.

He said that the primary objective of the conference was to develop five policy briefs, each tailored to key stakeholders such as the Presidency, National Assembly, Judiciary, Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs), including Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), Development Partners and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

He said that these briefs would provide strategic recommendations and guidance to actively engage each target audience in the fight against corruption within the new administrative dispensation.

The chairman said that the conference, spanning two days, would feature panel discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions.

“Distinguished experts, policymakers, and representatives from various sectors will contribute their insights, experiences, and research findings, fostering collaboration among stakeholders and generating innovative approaches to combat corruption effectively.

“Following the conference, the Anti-Corruption Champions Dinner will gather prominent figures, particularly those in the new government and the National Assembly members, along with critical stakeholders.

“The dinner aims to raise awareness about the implications of corruption and highlight opportunities to address the menace.

An advocacy group, Transparency Society Network has urged President Bola Tinubu to revisit cases of corruption that have not been prosecuted to a logical conclusion.

The advocacy group while congratulating the new president, noted that step taken by the Tinubu’s administration in addressing corruption and financial crimes will give a sense of direction to where the country is headed for the next four years.

The Executive Director of the group, Solomon Omokehinde in a press briefing held in Ikeja, Lagos State, advised the president to give necessary backing to financial crimes agencies so as to carry out their duties unhindered

Omokehinde appealed to the president to ensure corruption cases against the Ogun and Lagos Speakers of State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo and Mudashiru Obasa respectively reached a logical conclusion.

He stressed that the prosecution of these top politicians will boost the fight against corruption across the country.

He added, “This group is calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to make public its findings after the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa was interrogated for alleged financial misappropriation rocking the assembly and of course other pending investigations that have concluded but have not been made public.

“Transparency Society Network believes this step is necessary due to the odious noise from the House of Assembly as well as concerns from Lagosians which is becoming very disturbing and distasteful since the probe was first instituted in 2020.

“Recall that Mr. Obasa was alleged to have owned more than 60 bank accounts, through which he misused public funds. Mr Speaker was also accused of awarding contracts to himself using different companies as fronts.

“Upon interrogation, a nine-member House panel claimed the speaker did no wrong and cleared him even as Mr Obasa described the allegations against him as unfounded. Can Mr. Obasa be a judge in his own case?.”

Omokehinde, however, noted that State Assemblies across the country need to be prudent and transparent in public spending.

He further said, “As an advocacy group, we have noted how Lagosians and by extension Nigerians are now interested in knowing if it is true the Speaker is spending the taxpayer’s money judiciously or not.

“Knowing fully well that the Lagos Speaker is not the only one under probe; as a new dispensation beckons across the country, there is therefore need for State Assemblies to be prudent and transparent in public spending.

“We appeal that the EFCC or any Police authority in charge of fraud should probe these allegations in the interest of the public.

“This probe will be necessary in the interest of the public and the Speaker himself. We strongly believe that no allegations should be swept under the carpet or be overlooked.”