The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on Nigerians to embrace zero tolerance for corruption, saying accountable conduct is essential to sustaining the country’s ongoing reforms.
Olukoyede made the call in his Independence Day message to Nigerians on Thursday, as the country marked its 66th anniversary of independence.
He said the reforms and efforts aimed at strengthening the country’s institutions and economy were “building blocks of the greater nation we desire”, urging citizens to complement such initiatives by rejecting corrupt practices.
“At 66, Nigeria has come a long way. Independence has offered us liberty and self-determination. We are also making considerable progress in nation building.
“All these efforts are significant. They are the building blocks of the greater nation we desire. Let’s therefore couple all our reform-focused initiatives with zero tolerance for corruption,” he said.
The EFCC chairman stressed that corruption could undermine the gains of ongoing reforms if citizens and institutions failed to uphold accountability.
“We cannot be building and allow corrupt practices to vitiate our efforts.
“Progress only comes with purposeful rejection of compromises. Nigeria will surely get better!” Olukoyede said.
He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, while urging Nigerians to reject corruption in all its forms and support efforts aimed at strengthening the country’s development.