The new Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa says the fight against corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria will assume a new dimension of proactiveness through robust partnerships.
He stated this when he assumed office at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The new Chairman who took over the leadership of the Commission from his predecessor Mohammed Umar said that EFCC would achieve tremendous results by maintaining an open-door policy with other anti-corruption agencies and other relevant stakeholders in Nigeria.
“Our stakeholders and other stakeholders in the fight against corruption, the door is always open to everyone, we have come together which I believe the sky will be our limit. For our strategic partners across the shores of this Country, we will continue to work with you in intelligence sharing, information and to see that the stolen wealth of this Country is returned for the betterment of this Country
“All of this we will continue to do as the EFCC is known to observe the provisions of the constitution of Nigeria, and extent laws the Country as a guide and will continue to be our guide,“ he said.
He further explained that the Commission has identified the difference between fighting corruption and fighting corrupt people as this will require proactiveness in approach in the anti-corruption fight.
“By being proactive is by way of having what we all know to be intelligence laid investigation, we are going to digitize our processes, and we going to create new full-fledged directorate of intelligence to enable us to gather intelligence so that we will be proactive in our fight against financial crimes,“ Bawa added.
Abdulrasheed Bawa, who promised to ensure staff welfare, challenged them to prepare for more work adding that as a young Nigerian he would do his best to discharge the confidence reposed on him.
He thanked the outgone Acting Chairman, Mohammed Umar for his dedication and professionalism as his wealth of experience were enjoyed by all.
In a remark, Mohammed Umar who congratulates the new EFCC Chairman said, for over seven and half months, the Commission under him, prosecuted Eight hundred and Four cases and obtained five hundred and eighty-three convictions with substantial recoveries running into billions of naira and assets.
Umar described the new EFCC Chairman as a great officer who contributed to the growth of the Commission. “This because he is an officer with whom I’ve enjoyed a close working relationship and who contributed immensely to our collective efforts in the war against economic and financial crimes.“
According to the former Ag. Chairman “I have no doubt that he (Bawa) will do well and enjoin all staff to accord him the same support that I have received over the last seven and half months.“
He informed Bawa about the challenges confronting the Commission and his efforts in addressing some of them.
The new Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa is the first staff and non-police officer to head the EFCC.
PIAK
