By Abba Dukawa
I am constrained to write you this open Memo as you assumed the leadership of the Economic Financial Crime Commission,(EFCC).You assumed the commission leadership at the critical times when the country positions in the Global Outlook Perception index by Transparency International is not commendable.
Nevertheless, the administration came to power through change mantra with top three cardinal promises of Economic Development, Fighting Insecurity And Corruption. Nigeria is still been perceived as among Africa’s corrupt countries the country slipped two places below from 146th position in 2019 to 149th in 2020, the country also scored 25 out of 100 points, falling by one point compared to 2019, according to 2020 Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index. The 149th position means Nigeria is just above 31 countries out of 180 countries surveyed worldwide, while Nigeria is ranked 25 out of 49 countries in the sub-region.
Nigerians are expecting much from you to be strong and real dodge fighter in fighting the common enemy that has frustrated our realization of country’s economic development despite the enormous natural and human resources of the Nigeria. Other expectations of Nigerians on you, include reform of the commission in a non- powerful elements outside the commission influence and most importantly non partisan manner commission will surely assist the EFCC to fight the corruption and corrupt peoples.
To achieve just and fair fight against corruption, there is need for you to focus on building strong commission that cannot be manipulated by personalities. Instill culture of accountability, and transparency in the way the commission runs its activities this would help the agency’s perform optimally.
Let you be the agent of change as you knew all former chairman of the commission were all alleged to have abused their office with some doses of corrupt practices.
This is unpleasant coincidence both of them had one thing common the controversies trailed either their appointments or performances in office. Avoid battle for supremacy between your office and that of the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Fighting corruption is very weighty and greatly worrisome to all concerned Nigerians. Use your expertise to implement reforms and ensure a fair and balanced fight against corruption and corrupt peoples in Nigeria this can achievable as an official who passed through the ranks of the commission. Need to ensure synergy between the EFCC and its sister anti-graft ICPC, CCB, CCT and other law enforcement agencies this will increase better results.
Nigerians and world watching you in discharging this herculean tasks before you, need for doing any things possible within your reach to regaining the confidence of Nigerians in turning around the commission to achieve its objective should be your top priority. In yester years mentioned EFCC name scare corrupt and economic sabortuers but that fright notion if EFCC catches you, one would bear the consequence also gone and no longer scares anybody has disappeared.
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There is need for the commission to collaborate with the Office of the Attorney General, Office of the Chief Justice of the Federation and the National Assembly towards establishment of Special Anti-corruption Tribunal to facilitate speedy determination of hundreds of corruption cases before the nation’s normal courts. This Special Anti-corruption Tribunal will change will impeded successful prosecutions of the corrupt cases.
Need for the strengthening the collective effort in citizens’ participation in the fight against corruption engage non-state actors, especially the media and civil society organizations, in providing information to the public in line with the Freedom of Information Act 2011. Engage massive media campaigns both in three major languages in the country in enlighten public on the damage of corruption on us. This will increase the chances of making good fight.
With your experience being among pioneer civilians staff of the commission which your records shows you have the passion for the war, so you should ensure to have personnel with similar passion to work with other whose intend to work and scheme a positive image for the war. While those that are sheep in the wolf skin within the commission are to be sent away. Let you to accommodate those that have the goodwill to contribute toward the fighting the menace. When officially assumed duty you have pledged to create a full-fledged directorate of intelligence that would spearhead intelligence gathering, which will ensure a proactive response in the fight against corruption.
Like you said there is a difference between fighting corruption and fighting corrupt people and you are going forward. Let you and your staff be proactive in fighting both this will help you in fulfilling paradigm shift in the agency’s approach to anti-graft war. Bear in your mind the country still languishing in extreme poverty as result of corruption and the fight against corruption has become a mere statement.
On final note let you remember that you are aware mantle of leadership is a responsibility bestowed on you by God and as a Muslim you will account for every deed and activity you engaged in under oath as a chairman of the commission.
On the day of judgement you will appear before Almighty in chain to account all your deed before him where your sense of justice and honesty as a leader will unchain you. May Allah hold your hand to do the right and also fellow the right path in discharging your responsibilities.
Dukawa wrote in from Kano and can be reached atatabbahydukawa@gmail.com
