The Kwara State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Salman Jawondo, has commended the Ilorin Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for the successes it has recorded within its short period in the State.
Jawondo gave the commendation when he led a delegation of the Kwara State Ministry of Justice on a visit to the Ilorin Zonal Office of the EFCC.
The Chief Law Officer of the State, who was received by the Zonal Head, Usman Muktar, at the Commission Office, decried the alarming rate of corruption in the society as worrisome, saying that “every citizen is now an endangered specie.”
He enjoined the anti-graft agency to focus more on preventive measures stressing that, “enlightenment and sensitisation remains the most effective way to reduce corruption in our society”.
According to him, “We know as a fact that the task of fighting corruption is difficult and herculean, but with strong advocacy and enlightenment campaigns, we can have corruption reduced to the barest minimum. It is true that, when you fight corruption, corruption will fight back. But, we strongly belief that the EFCC is up to the task”.
He said further that, “the Kwara State Ministry of Justice is on ground to give you maximum support. We have seen the number of convictions and recoveries so far in the State, and we are here to identify with you”.
Jawondo, also called on the EFCC to assist the State to facilitate the return of state properties already forfeited to Nigerian Government.
According to the Attorney-General, “EFCC is doing a great work and has made huge recoveries for the state. Monies that ordinarily would have been stolen have been recovered and returned, but we would appreciate it more if the Commission can assist the State to facilitate the return of its properties forfeited to the Federal Government.”
While stressing the need to strengthen the synergy between the two agencies, he said, “It is important that we are on the same page with the EFCC, we must relate as partners and I think we should have this gathering by cooperating with you to achieve your mandate. I want the EFCC to feel at home because we are going to make your job easier”.
Responding, Muktar appreciated the Attorney-General and his entourage for the visit and promised that the EFCC would be willing to render any lawful assistance to the state government.
“We must come together to salvage the system, that has been the mandate of the Commission, we must work together, this country belongs to all of us,” Muktar added.
Confidence Okwuchi
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