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)
