I write you this open memo as you assume the leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Mr Chairman, you assumed the commission’s leadership when the country’s position in the global corruption perception is not commendable. This administration came to power with a pledge to boost the economy, ensure security and fight corruption.
However, not only did the country slip two places below from 146th position in 2019 to 149th in 2020, the country also scored 25 out of 100 points, falling by one point compared to 2019, according to 2020 Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index.
Nigerians are expecting you to be a strong and dogged fighter against the common enemy that has frustrated our realisation of the country’s economic development despite the enormous natural and human resources.
They are also expecting you to reform the commission to guard against external influence in the discharge of its duties.
Also to ensure robust fight against corruption, there is a need for you to focus on building a strong commission that cannot be manipulated by personalities and instil a culture of accountability and transparency in the way the commission runs its activities.
You should be an agent of change and ensure a fair and balanced fight against corruption and corrupt people.
There is also a need to ensure synergy between the EFCC and its sister anti-graft bodies, such as ICPC, CCB, CCT and other law enforcement agencies as this will increase better results.
Nigerians and the world are watching you in discharging these herculean tasks before you.
It will also help to strengthen citizens’ participation in the fight against corruption by engaging non-state actors, especially the media and civil society organisations, in providing information to the public in line with the Freedom of Information Act 2011.
Like you said, there is a difference between fighting corruption and fighting corrupt people and you are going forward. Let you and your staff be proactive in fighting both.
Bear in mind the country is still languishing in extreme poverty as a result of corruption and the fight against corruption has become a mere statement. On a final note, remember that the mantle of leadership is a responsibility bestowed on you by God and as a Muslim, you will account for every deed and activity you engaged in under oath as chairman of the commission.
Abba Dukawa writes from Kano and can be reached via [email protected]
