EFCC chairman Ola Olukoyede criticizes Nigerians for denouncing corruption while defending corrupt leaders. Speaking in Abuja, he emphasized that corruption hinders national development and urged collective action. He announced a partnership with the Centre for Crisis Communication to raise awareness, stressing that true progress requires accountability and public support.
Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has expressed concern over Nigerians’ contradictory stance on corruption. Speaking in Abuja on Friday during a visit from the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), led by Chris Olukolade, he noted that while citizens decry corruption, they often defend leaders accused of financial crimes.
Olukoyede emphasized that corruption remains a major obstacle to Nigeria’s development, stressing that national progress requires collective effort. “A society’s growth is not just the government’s responsibility but also that of the people,” he stated. He called for a change in attitude, urging Nigerians to hold leaders accountable rather than shielding them when legal actions are taken.
The EFCC chairman lamented how public sentiment shifts when high-profile individuals face prosecution. “People protest against corruption, but when suspects are charged in court, the same people defend them. This contradiction undermines the anti-graft fight,” he remarked.
He highlighted the importance of strategic communication and public engagement, announcing a partnership between the EFCC and the CCC to enhance awareness about corruption’s impact. Olukoyede urged Nigerians to support the anti-corruption drive by rejecting financial crimes at all levels.
Reaffirming his agency’s commitment to enforcing the law, he assured that the EFCC would continue its mandate without fear or favor. “If we all commit to doing the right thing, Nigeria will move forward,” he concluded.
