SAN FRANCISCO, May 25, (THEWILL) – Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, on Thursday declared that the agency under his leadership would wipe out corruption in the country within the next 12 months, adding that those who are hell bent on truncating the efforts of the EFCC in fighting graft will ultimately fail.
Magu, who spoke during the inauguration of the Ibadan zonal office of the agency, stated that the fight against corruption in the country has now become full blown in the country, asserting that he is focused and more determined to tackle the scourge head on.
According to him; “In spite of the efforts at fighting corruption, some people are still out there celebrating it.
“All these are put together to frustrate us. I want to assure you that they have failed. The fight has just started. We will fish them out, just give us 12 months and you won’t see them again.”
Stressing that the non-confirmation of his appointment as the substantive chairman of EFCC by the National Assembly has only encouraged him to do more, Magu said, “I am not bothered by the refusal to confirm my appointment by the National Assembly. On the contrary, it gives me more courage. I work like there is no tomorrow. I work to the last minute.’’
“All we are doing is just to ensure that this country grows and the future of our younger ones is protected,” the EFCC acting chairman added.
Also speaking at the inauguration, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, said the act establishing the EFCC will be reviewed in order to strengthen the commission, and also checkmate the incessant removal of the commission’s chairman.
“There would also be emphasis on strengthening public education and awareness. The agency will be repositioned to function at par with its international counterparts in developed countries,” he said.
The minister said that President Muhammadu Buhari was committed to ridding the country of corruption, noting that government had intensified efforts at taking the anti-corruption campaign to the grassroots.
He further noted that the whistle blowing policy had demonstrated greater success and had shown that Nigerians were ready and willing to partner with government in the fight against corruption.
