EFCC Chair Olukoyede has raised the alarm over the scale of public funds theft in Nigeria.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has raised concerns over the scale of corruption in Nigeria, saying public funds are being stolen by some political office holders almost every minute.
Olukoyede made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja at the 80th birthday celebration of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi.
The EFCC chairman said the commission receives more than 20,000 petitions relating to public-sector corruption annually, describing many of the cases as disturbing.
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“I receive over 20,000 petitions in a year in respect to public corruption, all terrible. What is going on? Like every minute, public officers take money, and if you go through some of our case files you will weep,” Olukoyede said.
He said Nigerians were the victims of the alleged diversion of public resources and called for collective action against corruption.
“The way people take national resources and Nigerians are victims of these fraudulent activities. And we must come together for once in our lifetime and say no to the activities of some of our leaders,” he added.
Olukoyede also alleged that some public officials assume office with relatively small amounts of money in their bank accounts but accumulate substantial wealth within a few years of occupying public positions.
According to him, investigations by the EFCC have in some cases traced millions of dollars to officials after only a few years in office.
He further alleged that some public officers acquire hundreds of houses while still serving in government.
The EFCC chairman said corruption remained a major challenge to Nigeria’s development, stressing that public officials must be accountable for their stewardship.
He called for greater transparency in public service and insisted that those entrusted with public resources should be able to explain their actions and account for the resources under their control.
Olukoyede urged Nigerians to reject corruption and support efforts to strengthen accountability and transparency in governance.
