The anti-graft agency in Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC says it secured 753 convictions in year 2020 despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Acting Chairman of EFFC Mohammed Umar gave the indication at the World Anti- Corruption day celebration in Kano State laced with the public presentation of the Kano state anti-corruption strategy document.
The EFCC boss who was represented by the Director Operations of the agency Aisha Musa said in the period under review beginning from January to December, 2020, huge sums of money and assets were recovered from convicts and forfeited to the federal government.
“Despite Covid-19, we were able to recover huge amouns of money and forfeited same to the federal government.
“The success story of the EFCC is made possible by the commitment of the federal government through the provision of both human and material resources that enhance operations” Aisha said.
She said the EFCC will always be ready to mentor, collaborate and work with the Kano anti-graft agency especially in the area of intelligence gathering and sharing for them to achieve the set objectives.
“The anti-corruption agency must always work hard to take the lead in the war to eradicate corruption in Kano” Aisha said.
Recovery success
On his part, the Chairman of the Anti-corruption agency in Kano state Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin-Gado said the agency recovered over 100 million naira from January to December 2020.
He said the success being achieved by the agency is because there were non interference from the government, powerful institutions and individuals in its activities.
“Nobody is interfering or meddling in our activities, that is why we are having this remarkable achievements. We thank government and everyone for giving us a level playing field.
“This is why we are far ahead of some federal anti graft agency by way of operations” Rimin-Gado said.
He said the agency has established anti-corruption units in all 44 local government areas of the state, as part of the campaign against corruption and bringing justice to the grassroots.
He said the institute will be used for training and public enlightenment against corruption and will be open for use by other states and African countries.
Providing opportunities to fight corruption
The Kano state Governing Umar Ganduje, represented by the Deputy Governor Dr. Nasiru Gawuna said the regime is providing every opportunity in the fight against corruption in the state.
“Corruption is like cancer that is fast eating into the fabrics of the society which must be fought headlong ” he said.
He reiterated the commitment of his government to keep on supporting the EFCC in the continuous war against corruption.
Emmanuel Ukoh
