Rule of law will be our guiding light, says EFCC chair Olukoyede

Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says the agency under his watch will be guided by the rule of law.

On October 17, President Bola Tinubu appointed Olukoyede as the chairman of EFCC.

The senate on Wednesday confirmed Olukoyede as the substantive chairperson of EFCC and Muhammad Hammajoda as secretary of the commission.

Olukoyede takes over the leadership of the agency from Abdulkareem Chukkol, the former acting chairman, who took charge for four months after the suspension of Abdulrasheed Bawa. 

Speaking shortly after assuming duties on Thursday, Olukoyede said the agency will focus on the prevention of graft to save the government from spending money on prosecution.

“We need to address the focus of our mandate.  We should use the Commission to drive economic development,” he said.

“Why are we fighting crimes? It is for the system to thrive, for the economy to grow, and for the society to get better.  Therefore, our focus should be geared towards developing the nation for greater benefit.

“We are going to drive professionalism in discharging our duties in line with the rule of law. The rule of law is going to be our guiding light. 

“We are going to drive EFCC to a place where when you see EFCC personnel, you will see a touch of professionalism.

“We are also going to be involved more in prevention because it is better to save money for the government than to spend money on prosecution.  

“The EFCC is a creation of the law. Its Act is a legal instrument.  This means that all our activities should be in line with the rule of law. There is nothing we are going to do that will be at variance with the law.

“My priority is to enhance staff welfare.  We will build on what we have done before and there are prospects that we will do better things for every staff of the Commission.”

Olukoyede assured personnel of the agency of a level playing field and equal opportunities for career progression.

He added that EFCC officials must stay committed to integrity and diligence.