The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC in Nigeria, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa has challenged all staff of the Commission to be disciplined and dedicated to their duties.
In his first interface with staff at the headquarters upon assumption of office, Mr Bawa expressed delight at the goodwill exhibited by the staff over his appointment.
He said; ”though a number of staff are happy to have a chairman who is a friend to many, however, I am going to be firm and would not tolerate indiscipline in any form, and unpunctuality as well as improper dressing. The rule says you must be in the office by 8am and close by 5pm if you have no pending work. But it is unacceptable for you to come in by 9am and close by 3pm (local time) and you expect to earn a full salary.”
The EFCC Boss noted that he has fair knowledge of the agency and its challenges, but assured the officers that the challenges were surmountable, stressing that his mission was not to undo what had been done by his predecessors but to seek to improve the fortunes of the Commission, forward.
Call for a renewed commitment
He called for renewed commitment to the anti-graft campaign by all staff through dedicated service, devoid of sloppiness and other forms of indiscipline.
“All Staff are important in this fight against corruption from the top to the least. So, I invite everyone to bring ideas and best practices that will help to organise and recalibrate the Commission, to make it a better place. I am a part of you and I know the challenges,” Mr Bawa explained.
He promised that he would operate a policy of open door for easy access by staff.
Prioritising staff welfare
Mr Bawa also promised to prioritise staff welfare, capacity building and systems improvement through application of digital technology and intelligence during his tenure.
He said that a Directorate of Intelligence would soon be created as the hub of Intel creation to bolster the Commission’s investigation activities.
The EFCC chairman used the forum to feel the pulse of the Commission by taking questions from various categories of the staff. He promised to address most of the issues raised.
He was also at the Abuja Zonal Office and the EFCC Academy where similar meeting took place.
Addressing the staff, after he was conducted round the Academy, Mr Bawa promised to reinvigorate the institution by giving it a face-lift, and properly position it as a Centre of Excellence for EFCC staff training.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
