The federal government says there is a need to put in more
efforts to redeem Nigeria’s image which has been “hurt” by corruption.
Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the
federation, said this on Thursday while inaugurating the 23-member board of the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The board is the first of its kind since 2015 when the
present administration came into power.
Addressing the board members, Mustapha encouraged them to
put in their best to support the federal government’s fight against corruption.
“The unfortunate thing is that what we have battled with
this internally and in-country, we have successfully exported it out of this
country. So, your job and your role would extend beyond the borders of this
nation, because it does hurt our image as a country. It has deprived us of even
direct foreign investment,” he said.
“It has created a doubt as to the sincerity of people doing
business with us, outside the shores of our country.
“So, we must do everything and you are the ones that are
assigned the responsibility of creating a new image for Nigeria, and your
actions and activities will in no small measure help Nigeria redeem its image.”
In his remarks, AbdulRasheed Bawa, EFCC chairman, expressed
optimism that the new board will achieve significant impact in tackling
corruption.
“The EFCC has been without a board for six years sequel to a
series of events that had happened which warranted the non-existence of the
board of the EFCC in the last six years,” he said.
“So, it is something that gladdens the heart, with me, of
course, being a former staff of the EFCC and now the chairman of the EFCC, that
today, the EFCC has a board spearheading the policy direction of this problem
that we have — the economic and financial crimes in this country.
“As you have said, your excellency, we have a saying at the
EFCC that we have one of the most cosmopolitan boards, looking at public
service in this country, looking at the composition of the fact that all law
enforcement agencies and security organisations in this country are represented
on the board as well as other regulatory agencies like NICOMSAT as well as
Central Bank of Nigeria.
“So, we’re happy for
this day. And I want to assure your excellency and the government of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria that we’re not unfamiliar with the daunting task
before us.
“We have been doing well. Last year had been a difficult
year with COVID-19. But the EFCC has managed to set a new record in terms of
recoveries and convictions.
“With the inauguration of this board, I believe with the
wealth of experience that all of us are bringing to the board, we will be able
to do better.”
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