THE NATION
Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has alleged that some of the commission’s investigators are taking bribes, noting that he had a process in motion to fish them out.
Olukoyede made this known on Thursday, January 18, in his New Year address to staff members of the anti-graft agency at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The EFCC chairman, who described the situation as embarrassing for the anti-graft agency, said the Department of Internal Affairs of the agency has been directed to be more active and vigilant to monitor every staff member in all their engagements.
He warned that such conduct would no longer be tolerated under his watch, vowing that he would wield the big stick against investigators taking bribes.
Olukoyede said: “At this point, I need to strongly reiterate the issue of discipline, integrity and sense of responsibility in the way we do our work. Public opinions about the conduct of some of our investigators are adverse. The craze and quest for gratification, bribes and other compromises by some of our investigators are becoming too embarrassing and this must not continue.
“Let me sound a note of warning in this regard. I will not hesitate to wield the big stick against any form of infraction by any staff of the Commission. The Department of Internal Affairs has been directed to be more ardent in its work and monitor every staff in all their engagements. The image of the commission is too important to be placed on the line by any corrupt officer.”
He said steps were already being taken to improve the welfare of EFCC staff members.
