President Muhammadu Buhari warned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday in Abuja not to be exploited for party politics or to settle personal issues.
The President issued the warning at the State House at the introduction of the new EFCC Standard Operating Procedures, Policies, and Manuals. He challenged the Commission to focus on serving the nation and establishing a good government.
He counselled the commission’s leaders and all operatives to reject the temptation to be swayed by political players seeking personal advantage.
“I must advise the Commission’s leadership and operatives to resist the temptation to be used for partisan politics or pulled into personal feuds.”
“Your responsibility is to support the nation’s efforts to establish a good government,” he stated.
The president praised the leadership of the EFCC for obtaining 2,220 convictions in one year and reclaiming over N152 billion and $385 million.
“I am pleased to see that the battle on corruption, which is one of this administration’s primary goals, is being bolstered.”
“This is accomplished through the institutionalization of operational processes, which serve as the foundation for openness and accountability in administration and public expenditure,” he explained.
Buhari praised the EFCC’s chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, for his efforts to further institutionalize the agency by producing 26 Standard Operating Procedures and 25 Policies and Manuals for the Commission’s Departments, Units, and Staff.
He also commended the commission’s Board of Directors, administration, and personnel.
The President urged all Ministries, Departments, and Authorities (MDAs), particularly law enforcement agencies, to standardize their processes in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
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“I don’t think I need to emphasize the significance of today’s event, but let me remind you that the stakes are great, but national expectations are much higher.”
“As a result, we must continue to strive and deal decisively with things according to the rule of law,” Buhari stated.
He stated that the government will continue to provide all necessary assistance to MDAs in order to maintain the long-term viability of the projects now underway to realize the aim of a corruption-free society.
“I’d want to finish by stressing that combating economic and financial crimes in Nigeria is a communal obligation of all Nigerians if we are to make significant development as a nation.”
“I ask you all to fight corruption in all of its forms and to help us in embedding good governance ideals and integrity across all of our systems.”
“As I’ve repeatedly said, if we don’t fight corruption, it will kill us as a nation,” he remarked.
