5 Ex-governors, 5 Ex-ministers Being Prosecuted – EFCC

*Says it operates open door policy on information sharing, others.

By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is committed to its ongoing anti-corruption crusade to the grassroots across the country.

This was disclosed at the weekend by the Head of Media and Publicity and the Spokesperson of the EFCC, DCE Dele Oyewale at a one-day workshop held in Ibadan Zonal Directorate for Journalists and Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, organized by the Commission.

DCE Oyewale disclosed that EFCC under the current leadership of Ola Olukoyede, in 2024 alone arraigned five ex-governors and five ex-ministers with no let or hindrance.

According to the EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, ” This is a display of political will by the Bola Tinubu’s administration to prosecute corruption cases to curb economic sabotage and infractions.

” The EFCC under the current leadership of Ola Olukoyede, in 2024 alone arraigned five ex-governors and five ex-ministers with no let or hindrance”, he said.

DCE Oyewale added, ” This is a display of political will by the Bola Tinubu’s administration to prosecute corruption cases to curb economic sabotage and infractions”.

Speaking further, the EFCC spokesperson advocated for more collaborative efforts and periodical engagement from the CSOs and the media in spreading the anti-corruption crusade to the grassroots across the country.

He maintained that, “the pivotal roles played by the Civil Society Organizations and the media so far towards the remarkable achievements of the Commission cannot be over emphasized and this is seen as a beacon of patriotism but we have to do more”.

Assuring the participants of the EFCC’s continuous willingness to deepen the synergy, DCE Oyewale said EFCC runs an open-door policy as regards information sharing, robust collaborative engagements and constructive criticism.

He stressed further that there must be a deliberate and holistic approach in amplifying the fight against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.

EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede in his opening remarks lauded the media and Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, in the country for their unwavering commitment to the fight against economic and financial crimes, especially internet fraud in South West.

Represented by the Acting Zonal Director, Ibadan Directorate of the EFCC, ACE 1 Hauwa Garba Ringim, Mr Olukoyede stated that through the continuous advocacy campaign, reportage and public enlightenment efforts of the CSOs and the media, Nigerians are now better informed about the Commission’s anti-corruption activities.

Mr Olukoyede called for more collective responsibility in safeguarding the nation’s resources through unbiased and timely reportage of Commission’s activities.

“This interactive session is designed not only to share ideas and perspectives but to encourage constructive feedbacks and objective analyses that can further enhance the EFCC’s performance and accountability”, he said.

Mr Olukoyede added, “the EFCC recognizes CSOs and the media as indispensable allies in the fight against corruption” noting that, “the partnership among the CSOs, media and the EFCC has yielded meaningful results over the years and the EFCC remain committed in sustaining and expanding the collaboration through continuous engagements, transparency, and strengthening of institutional mechanisms to curb economic and financial crimes.

“On the EFCC’s part, we are committed to providing accurate and timely information to facilitate informed public engagement and oversight. Enhanced access to credible information on the management of public resources will not only promote good governance but also move us closer to our shared vision of a corruption- free society”.