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Stop Supporting Corruption – EFCC Boss Olukoyede Tells CSOs
Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has charged Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, across the country to distance themselves from corrupt elements who advance the cause of bad governance with no consideration for the plight of Nigerians bearing the brunt of corrupt practices.
He gave this charge in Abuja on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 when he received in audience, executives of the Conference of Northern States Civil Society Networks led by the Chairman, Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya.
According to the EFCC boss, “whatever that is not expedient should be abhorred. It is appalling to see Civil Society Organisations veer off their mandate and be supporting bad governance. There are instances where some state governments deliberately set up and fund Civil Society Organisations to attack agencies set up to enforce anti-corruption laws”, he said.
Olukoyede frowned at the tendencies of some CSOs championing ill-motivated causes, especially offering defences to individuals and groups indicted for corruption. “Please, let them know that such tendencies are against progress and development of the nation. Their platforms are not meant for such engagements”, he said.
He said it was very important for actors in the civil society space to understand that their mandate required them to play very critical roles in the development of the society. “The CSOs are critical to the fight against economic and financial crimes. Some of the high -profile cases the Commission has prosecuted was made possible by the efforts of some of the promoters of these CSOs.
They are even playing the roles of prosecution witnesses in support of anti-graft agencies. That is why within six months of my appointment, I have met with the coalition of CSOs twice. To me, we cannot do it all alone. We surely need to collaborate to achieve the mandate”, he said.
The Chairman specifically commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking crucial measures on the issue of Consumer Credit and Students’ Loan Scheme, which he said have great propensity of curbing corruption. “50 percent of my job would have been done by the time these policies come on stream. Imagine workers getting car loans and mortgage loans at 3, 4 and 5 percent to be repaid in the next 30 years. It will reduce corruption to the barest minimum”, he said.
Earlier, Waiya described the Conference as a regional network of non-governmental, non-partisan, not for profit, non-ethnic and non-religious platform, with the sole objective of advocating for the best practices of democracy, accountable governance and increased development of Northern Nigeria and beyond through policy advocacy, collaboration and partnership.
He said the group brought together various civil society networks operating in the Nineteen Northern States and FCT, under a common umbrella, with a clear focus of promoting synergy among different states-based networks, to collectively aid in achieving socio-economic, political, infrastructural and sustainable development in the region and Nigeria at large.
He specifically commended Olukoyede for his sterling fight against Naira abuse and noticeable paradigm shift in the entire war against economic and financial crimes. “We want to commend you for your bold moves in moving the anti-corruption fight forward”, he said. He called for greater penetration of the grassroots to ensure that false narratives and campaigns against the Commission are neutralized.
He called for closer collaboration with the EFCC to ensure optimal results in the fight against corruption.
Prince Kayode Adewale, a contestant for the vacant Owa-Obokun of Ijesa land throne, has urged the Osun state government and traditional kingmakers to rely on oracles and deities in selecting the next monarch of the ancient town.
Prince Adewale of the Owa Bilaro Oluodo Royal Family, made the call during a press conference in Ilesa, Osun State, on Thursday.
He noted that the Ifa oracle, along with the Obokun and Ogun deities, should be the determining factors in the selection process.
The stool became vacant following the passing of Oba Gabriel Aromolaran, who joined his ancestors on September 11, 2024, after a 42-year reign.
As the contest intensifies, an Osun State High Court, presided over by Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe, has restrained Governor Ademola Adeleke and others from appointing a new Owa-Obokun from the Haastrup family or any other candidate.
Amid the ongoing legal battles, Prince Adewale reaffirmed his interest in the throne, advocating for adherence to traditional processes to ensure fairness and legitimacy.
He said: “The Owa Obokun stool is not for sale. In Ijesaland when it’s comes to selection of a new King the Ifa, Obokun and Ogun deities will be consulted and the person that has the highest vote from them will emerge as the king.”
Declaring his intention, Adewale said he is committed to standardizing mining practices and implementing robust land reclamation policies.
“Ijeshaland is blessed with abundant natural resources, particularly in gold mining. However, our gold resources must be harnessed responsibly and sustainably. Under my leadership, I will work towards the standardization of gold mining practices, ensuring that this wealth benefits the people of Ijeshaland while preserving our environment for future generations.”
The House of Representatives on Thursday approved the extension of the implementation of the capital component of the 2024 budget from 31 December 2024 to 30 June 2025.
Leader of the House, Hon Julius Ihonvbere, laid the report of the report of the bill seeking the extension as the House dissolved into the Committee of Supply to consider it.
It is titled, “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Appropriation Act, 2024 to extend the implementation of the Capital Component of the Appropriation Act, 2024 from 31 December, 2024 to 30 June, 2025 and for Related Matters (HB.2023)”
Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who announced the adjournment of plenary to January 14, 2025, urged members to work hard in their various to ensure that the prompt passage of the 2025 budget upon resumption.
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) on Thursday condemned in strong terms the suspension of 18 local government chairmen and councillors in Edo state by the House of Assembly.
Governor Monday Okpebholo had accused the suspended chairmen of disobeying his instructions by allegedly refusing to submit their financial records to the state government.
However, the ALGON’s National Executive Council (NEC) and its Board of Trustees (BoT) on Thursday jointly condemned the decision saying the governor and lawmakers did not give the council chairmen fair hearing to defend themselves.
The association at an emergency meeting in Katsina state, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene, emphasising the need to respect the autonomy and independence of local governments as guaranteed by the nation’s constitution and recent ruling by the Supreme Court.
“ALGON views this suspension as a setback for democracy and abuse of power, particularly since the chairmen were not given a chance to defend themselves.
“This suspension is invalid. It contradicts the Supreme Court’s judgment granting local governments autonomy,” the ALGON National Publicity Secretary, Hamisu Anani, in a statement said.
Anani stated that if the Edo State House of Assembly’s decision was right, it would not have generated criticisms across the length and breadth of the country.
“This suspension is unconstitutional; it is null and void.
“ALGON is hereby urging the Edo State House of Assembly to reverse the decision and respect the rule of law to strengthen democratic governance.
“ALGON also appeals to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and halt this abuse of power,” the statement said.
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