The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has commended the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, for demonstrating a commitment to institutional integrity through the disciplinary actions taken against officials found culpable of misconduct and corrupt practices.
In a statement on Sunday signed by HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organisation described the decision to dismiss one of its top prosecutors, Samuel Chime, and others after an investigative panel found them guilty of receiving bribes to sabotage cases, as a bold and commendable step towards strengthening public confidence in the nation’s foremost anti-corruption agency.
He said, “Holding public officers accountable, regardless of their position, is essential to preserving the credibility of anti-corruption institutions.
The action taken by the EFCC leadership sends a strong signal that misconduct and abuse of office will not be tolerated within the Commission.
“We are also calling on the EFCC chairman to ensure that Mr Chime and other corrupt officers who were sacked are brought to book to face the full wrath of the law. The anti-corruption agencies must continually uphold the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and accountability to maintain public trust and effectively discharge their mandates.”
Suraju stated that the fight against corruption must begin within institutions entrusted with enforcing accountability, and stressed that internal cleansing and institutional discipline are necessary for building a credible and effective anti-corruption framework.
He also called for the protection of citizens against abuse of power, selective enforcement, and unethical conduct by public officials, noting that fairness, transparency, and respect for the rule of law remain fundamental principles of effective anti-corruption governance.
He reaffirmed HEDA’s support for efforts aimed at strengthening accountability institutions and promoting integrity, transparency, and justice in Nigeria’s public sector.
