…EFCC boss tasks auctioneers on probity, fairness
By Hilary Asemota
President Bola Tinubu says his administration will not relent in addressing corruption and other vices because it is a sacred duty to ensure that the country is set right for the prosperity of all Nigerians.
Speaking when he received a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the President emphasized the role of faith leaders in fostering unity and peace in the country.
This is coming even as the the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has charged auctioneers in the country to be guided by probity, fairness and accountability in the disposal of assets and other engagements relevant to their profession.
President Tinubu called on Christian leaders to support the administration’s ongoing fight against corruption by encouraging Nigerians to have a change of mindset on money-related matters.
“We have no other country but Nigeria. If you do not preach the sermon of understanding, tolerance, perseverance, and hope for Nigerians, you are doing damage to the country, and nobody will help us repair it.
“Let us dialogue because public condemnation of a nation is not what makes any citizen a good one. We must admonish Nigerians to have a change of mindset and not to make money our god or master. I believe we will get to the Promised Land, and Nigeria will flourish.
“We are here to listen, and if you observe any inadequacies in my government, let us know. I am here today because of your prayers and the will of God Almighty. What I have challenged myself to do each day is to be fair to all Nigerians. I have had a number of criticisms, including the rationale behind the size of my cabinet. If you want efficient, mobile, and resourceful people, we have to give people a load they can carry. If you combine too many ministries because you want to save money, you will have a future of non-performance and no results.
“Nigeria needs to turn the corner to grow, and we must give people challenges they can manage, and that is what we are doing,” the President firmly stated.
In his remarks, Archbishop Okoh urged President Tinubu not to relent in his efforts to provide good governance by ensuring security, inclusivity, and peaceful co-existence in the country.
“You have extended a hand of fellowship to us, and we embrace you and your family with the love of Christ and promise to partner with you in nation-building, for the task is quite daunting. You will not stumble, and you will not fall. We believe that you have the sagacity to give leadership in battling our challenges and in turning around the fortunes of our nation, Nigeria, within a short time. You have shown that you are a listening leader, and we appreciate this.
“CAN has maintained an active presence at all levels from the national to the grassroots, and we have remained non-partisan. You will always find our association as a ready and willing partner in nation-building,” Okoh said.
Meanwhile and still on fight against corruption, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has charged auctioneers in the country to be guided by probity, fairness and accountability in the disposal of assets and other engagements relevant to their profession.
He gave the charge on Monday, when the executives of the National Association of Auctioneers, NAA, led by their President, Alhaji Musa Kurra Abubakar paid him a courtesy visit at the Commission’s headquarters.
Olukoyede, who spoke through the Commission’s Secretary, Mohammad Hammajoda stated that “you are expected to operate at a moral high ground. The probity, fairness and accountability you are expected to bring to your job are the core values that drive our work in the Commission. I can therefore say that we are together in the war against corruption.”
While noting that the visit testified to the good working relationship between the Commission and the Association, the Chairman pledged enhanced commitment of the EFCC to the relationship. “We are committed to the success of your Association. We can work together and continue to pursue the goal of making Nigeria better for all of us. Luckily enough, we have up to 18 members of your Association that we are working hand-in-hand with in the disposal of assets that have been forfeited to the government. And they are doing creditably well”, he said.
In his remarks, NAA’s President, Abubakar stated that the mission of the Association was to congratulate the Chairman and Secretary on their new appointments, noting that NAA and the Commission have been long-term partners in progress.
“We are grateful for the opportunity you gave us to come and have a chat with you. We have been partners in progress for quite a long time and we feel it is right for us to pay a courtesy call since there has been a change of baton in the Commission and show our support to the new Chairman and Secretary”, he said.
The Association later made a presentation of a giant souvenir, bearing the image of the Chairman and a congratulatory message to him.