By John Ogunsemore
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede has said corruption is next to terrorism on the list of humanity’s deadliest afflictions.
He made the comment in Abuja on Thursday while addressing stakeholders in the anti-graft war who converged at the Unity Fountain to commemorate the 2024 African Anti-Corruption Day.
He called for enhanced and consistent commitment to whistle-blowing by Nigerians from all walks of life to tackle the menace of economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.
According to him, the fight against corruption has become more compelling owing to its increasing threat to individual, corporate and national quest for growth and development.
He charged Nigerians to be more prepared to explore the whistle-blowing initiative as a demonstration of their sincerity and seriousness to break the fangs of corruption.
“Aside from terrorism, corruption ranks as the next deadliest affliction of humanity in every region of the world.
“In view of the danger and threat to our existence which corruption represents, it is imperative that individuals, communities, corporate bodies and indeed the whole world join hands together to tackle it frontally. One way of doing this is through the whistle-blowing initiative,” he said.
Drawing from the theme of the 2024 African Anti-Corruption Day which is “Effective Whistleblowing for Corruption-Free Nigeria”, Olukoyede enjoined Nigerians to show commitment by fully embracing the demands of the whistle-blowing policy of the government.
The policy, launched on December 21, 2016, by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Finance, is an anti-graft programme that encourages people to voluntarily disclose information about fraud, bribery, looted government funds, financial misconduct, abuse or embezzlement of government assets and any other form of corruption or theft.
The EFCC boss explained that the fight against corruption required absolute commitment to integrity and unfaltering focus.
“We cannot win the war against corruption through lip service, emotional outbursts or mere mob campaigns. There is a need for commitment, passion, consistency and credibility of intelligence.
“Every whistle blown must point towards truth and evidential proofs,” he said.