TheCable

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged the well-wishers of Abdulrasheed Bawa, the newly-appointed chairman, to stop paying to congratulate him on the pages of newspapers.

Bawa was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in February.

It is a popular practice in Nigeria for friends and well-wishers of a newly appointed official to take to the pages of newspapers to convey congratulatory messages.

But in a statement issued on Tuesday by Wilson Uwujaren, EFCC spokesperson, Bawa said resources spent on the congratulatory messages can be channeled to worthy causes, such as internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The EFCC said it has observed the increasing number of messages published in the print media by groups and individuals, congratulating Bawa on his appointment, but noted that the chairman only needs support and prayers.

“While the open exhibition of affection and solidarity may be salutary in our cultural milieu, and indeed appreciated, it is however inauspicious at this point in time and gradually turning into a distraction,” the statement reads.

“Mr. Bawa is assuming the leadership of the EFCC at a time of great challenge and he desires to hit the ground running.

“What he needs from well-wishers and indeed all Nigerians, is support and prayers, and more importantly, credible information that will further the work of the Commission.

“He, therefore, appeals to all his admirers and well-wishers who might have the intention of demonstrating their love and support for him through paid newspaper advertisement to desist, and instead channel such resources to more worthy causes, such as making donations to orphanages and Internally Displaced Persons, camps.”