Nigerians Condemn Corruption But Defend Corrupt Leaders – Ola Olukoyede, EFCC Chairman
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has criticized Nigerians for their contradictory stance on corruption, condemning the menace yet defending corrupt leaders when they face prosecution.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday during a visit by officials of the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), led by Chris Olukolade, Olukoyede emphasized that corruption remains the greatest obstacle to Nigeria’s development and must be tackled collectively.
“One of the major problems in Nigeria which, if addressed, will put an end to underdevelopment is corruption and financial crimes,” he stated.
He lamented that while Nigerians decry corruption, they often rally behind high-profile individuals accused of financial crimes when they are prosecuted.
“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 support corrupt leaders.
It doesn’t show that we are serious about this fight; the fight is supposed to be a collaborative effort,” Olukoyede stressed.
The EFCC chairman reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to tackling financial crimes within the limits of the law and called for greater public cooperation in the fight against corruption.
He further announced plans for collaboration with the CCC to enhance strategic communication and public awareness on integrity and accountability.
