President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, vehemently rejected the widespread mislabeling of Nigerians as inherently corrupt.
The declaration unfolded at a forum organized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, themed "Public Engagement on Youth, Religion, and the Fight Against Corruption." Tinubu praised the EFCC for its role as a moral compass and criticized the unfairness of tarnishing the entire Nigerian populace based on the actions of a few individuals.
The President emphasized the global contributions of Nigerians and urged a nuanced understanding of the nation's diverse and resilient character. Acknowledging the global threat of cybercrimes, Tinubu assured unwavering government support for the EFCC's battle against digital offenses.
He highlighted initiatives such as the Students Loan Board to discourage youth engagement in unlawful activities and called on religious leaders and government agencies to collaborate with the EFCC. Various leaders, including CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh and the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, echoed concerns about corruption's detrimental effects, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts and structural reforms to address systemic issues.
The EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, outlined the agency's commitment to prevention strategies and collaboration with faith-based organizations in the ongoing fight against corruption.
