The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has issued a significant directive to the agency’s staff members, compelling them to promptly declare their assets in full compliance with civil service regulations and procedures. This directive was delivered during a meeting at the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, where Mr. Olukoyede addressed senior staff members of the commission. His message stressed the pivotal role of maintaining transparency and integrity in the relentless fight against corruption.
Mr. Olukoyede made it abundantly clear that in the battle against corruption, it is imperative for those at the forefront of this fight to exemplify the highest ethical standards. He emphasized that adherence to the rule of law would be not just a requirement but an article of faith and a foundational principle of their work. He stressed that the EFCC is an institution founded on the law, and therefore, they must carry out their duties in strict accordance with legal guidelines. He further explained that declaring assets is a standard practice on the international stage and that it is crucial for the EFCC to make it a routine and established practice within the organization.
During his address, Mr. Olukoyede announced that every staff member, starting from Level 17 and going down, would be required to declare their assets. He set an example by sharing that he had already completed this process himself and encouraged others to do the same without fear. He noted that even the commission’s secretary had already done so, and it was important for all staff members to follow suit. To ensure transparency and accountability, he announced that the declared assets would be subject to investigation.
The underlying motivation behind this directive is to set a high standard and lead by example in the realm of anti-corruption efforts. Mr. Olukoyede emphasized the importance of maintaining clean hands as anti-corruption fighters, thereby underscoring the commitment of the EFCC to uphold the highest ethical standards. The directive aligns with the core mission of the EFCC, which is to combat economic and financial crimes while ensuring that their own actions adhere to the principles they champion. In summary, Mr. Olukoyede’s directive seeks to institutionalize asset declaration and uphold the rule of law within the EFCC to further the fight against corruption.
