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Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Don’t Scrap Or Merge EFCC 


The Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, has joined other well-meaning Nigerians in calling for the strengthening of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in a way that would make its scrapping or merger with any other anti-graft agency unnecessary.
According to him, the activities of the EFCC continue to reinforce accountable governance and institutional sanity in the country and that the nation stands to benefit more from its empowerment.
“Today, the existence of EFCC has brought about self scrutiny, probity, transparency, and consciousness on the part of political office holders who hitherto behaved differently,” he noted.
He urged Nigerians to continue to support the Commission while promising to make the EFCC’s job lighter in Borno state, by ensuring probity and accountability in his government.
Shettima , who was the host of a 3-day retreat for Borno State Government political office holders which held in Maiduguri, Borno State recently, stressed that Nigeria could only move forward if concerted efforts are made by all Nigerians to shun corrupt practices.

In his presentation, the EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde, said that all efforts at developing Nigeria could only yield desirable results if the evils of corruption are frontally tackled.
He explained that sustainable development and attainment of objectives of vision 20-20 will be difficult to achieve without simultaneously and aggressively tackling corruption and economic crimes.
Lamorde also stated that the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes was an obligation for every responsible government and citizen.
He advised those in leadership positions to promote the war against corruption by being personally upright and taking bold steps aimed at blocking all avenues for corrupt acts that may exist in all operative systems known to them.
In response to questions raised by participants, the EFCC Chair, who was represented by Bukar Abba, EFCC’s Director of Finance reiterated the Commission’s unflinching determination in restoring citizens’ confidence in business practices and governance, despite challenges confronting it.
He posited that the EFCC would never stop making inquiries and holding public officials accountable.
“It bears repeating here that time does not run out on criminal investigation and prosecution, so if you can escape today, using whatever means at your disposal, EFCC will be there waiting for you tomorrow,” he assured.
The Borno State Deputy Governor, Zanna Mustapha in his comments, commended the Commission for its relentless efforts at fighting corruption in the country.
He also observed that “corruption is not only about stealing public funds but also about morality and ethics, which must be taught from homes and imbibed from childhood”.
The event witnessed presentation of papers by experts and practitioners in all areas of development, economic growth, youth empowerment, and job creation.

EFCC honours son of slain Head of Forensics
The EFCC on Wednesday presented the American Society of Questioned Document Examiners posthumous award to the son of the slain Head of Forensic Unit of the Commission, Abdullahi Muazu.
Muazu was murdered in his home in Kaduna on Sept. 13, 2010 by unknown gunmen.
The organisation, which is dedicated to the profession of forensic document examination was established in 1913 when Albert Osborn initiated a programme for the interchange of ideas and research on the subject.
Osborn is considered the father of the Science of Questioned Document Examination in North America.
The Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Lamorde during the presentation of the award to the son, Mohammed in Abuja commended the late Muazu’s contribution in the field of document examination and forensics.
Lamorde, represented by the Deputy Director of Operations, Mr Kabiru Shehuzu, described Muazu as a ``consummate'' gentleman and professional.
``We have come to celebrate excellence. He was one of our very best who has left an indelible mark and we remember him with nostalgia,” he said.
Lamorde said that the late Muazu’s dedication, diligence and expertise had been a source of encouragement to young operatives in the commission.
Mr Ben Agweye, the acting Head of Forensic Unit of the commission said that the presentation of the award was a testimony to the recognition of the practice of forensics.
``We are celebrating a good man.’’
Mohammed, speaking while receiving the award on behalf of his father, extended the appreciation of his family to the organisation and the EFCC.
He said that the recognition of his late father was heart-warming and described him as a gentleman.

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