Olukoyede claims that Nigeria could have prevented corruption with less money spent, but instead it spends more money battling it. The National Assembly should lead the anti-graft campaign.
Ola Olukoyede’s nomination to serve as the substantive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was vetted and approved by the Senate on Wednesday.
During his screening, Olukoyode answered questions from the senators and advised them to make sure that the National Assembly is where the fight against corruption starts.
No matter whose ox got gored, he said, he was ready to labor.
The battle against corruption should start right here in this sacred chamber, “You become the enemy of everybody if you are fighting corruption.” He declared,
Olukoyede declared that the time had come for all anti-corruption organizations to shift their emphasis from enforcement to prevention.
“Enforcement is a very strong tool in our hands, and we will apply it very seriously,” he declared.
“There is what we refer to as a transactional credit system, without undervaluing the significance of enforcement. The truth is that a thousand anti-corruption organizations won’t help us if we let Nigerians continue to purchase expensive vehicles, homes, and other real estate with cash since our credit system is ineffective.
“We need to establish an environment that ensures individuals have options. Can I afford to provide my kids a solid education at a respectable school if I don’t steal money? After working for five years, may I purchase a car if I don’t steal any money? Can I build a three-room home after 20 years of employment if I don’t steal money?
“There is what we refer to as a transactional credit system, without undervaluing the significance of enforcement. The truth is that a thousand anti-corruption organizations won’t help us if we let Nigerians continue to purchase expensive vehicles, homes, and other real estate with cash since our credit system is ineffective.
“We need to establish an environment that ensures individuals have options. Can I afford to provide my kids a solid education at a respectable school if I don’t steal money? After working for five years, may I purchase a car if I don’t steal any money? Can I build a three-room home after 20 years of employment if I don’t steal money?
The prosecution shouldn’t be permitted to proceed from the court of first instance to the Supreme Court for a maximum of five years. That is something the Senate can take very seriously. You will witness the excellent work the anti-corruption agencies are doing if we can actually make the criminal justice system’s administration function,” Olukoyede continued.
He asserted that there was a link between the nation’s low standard of life and the growth of corruption.
The Senate confirmed him as the new Chairman of the EFCC after he responded to some of the inquiries from the members.
Muhammad Hammajoda was also confirmed by the Senate to serve as the commission’s secretary.
Halima Shehu was likewise approved by the Senate to serve as the National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Program.
