News Nigeria

EFCC Chairman Laments Public Support for Corrupt Leaders

In a poignant critique of Nigeria’s societal norms, Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), expressed deep concern over the public’s contradictory stance towards corruption. Olukoyede made these remarks on Friday during a visit by officials of the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), led by the director of its Board of Trustees, Chris Olukolade, at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.

Olukoyede highlighted a troubling paradox where Nigerians decry corruption but simultaneously rally behind political figures embroiled in corruption scandals when they face legal repercussions. “It is unfortunate that the same people who approve also reprobate at the same time,” he lamented. This statement underscores the frustration of the EFCC in its battle against corruption, particularly when public support seems to waver in favor of the accused.

The EFCC chief pointed out that while the populace often speaks out against corrupt practices, there’s visible support for high-profile individuals when they are prosecuted, sometimes seen through public protests or social media campaigns. “Everybody is crying that Nigerians are corrupt, that the system is corrupt, that corruption is killing us and destroying our system, but when we investigate high-profile cases and arraign people in court, the same people will carry placards and be supporting corrupt leaders,” Olukoyede stated.

This meeting with CCC officials was aimed at fostering collaboration to enhance strategic communication and public engagement in the fight against corruption. Olukoyede emphasized that public support is vital for the EFCC’s success, noting, “The fight is supposed to be a collaborative effort. No single agency can do it alone.” He also spoke about the need for synergy between different institutions to create a society that values integrity over corruption.

Olukoyede’s lamentation arrives at a time when Nigeria is grappling with how to effectively combat corruption, which remains a significant barrier to national development. His remarks have reignited debates on the cultural, systemic, and institutional changes required to shift public perception and support away from corrupt practices.

The EFCC’s ongoing initiatives, including prevention over enforcement and leveraging intelligence gathering, are part of a broader strategy to tackle corruption at its roots. However, the chairman’s comments suggest that without a change in public attitudes, these efforts might continue to face significant challenges.

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