The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukayode, has urged officers of the commission to premise the anti-corruption fight on initiatives and modalities that would promote the country’s economic growth and development.
Bawa made the call while addressing officers of the Lagos Zonal Command on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said the EFCC would no longer focus on winding down businesses by way of investigation but would instead work to drive economic development and create wealth and employment.
“The era of winding down businesses by way of investigation is gone. We will look into the mix-fund rules that separate the proceeds of crimes from legitimate money so as to allow businesses to grow,” he said.
Bawa also stated that the EFCC would make conscious efforts to redeem the image of the country in the global community.
“We will drive this to tell the whole world that we are ready to get out of this mess. We will do our own and pressurise other stakeholders to do theirs,” he said.
He charged officers of the Commission to uphold the core values of the EFCC, which include integrity, courage, professionalism, and collaboration in the discharge of their duties.
He stressed that the anti-corruption drive must open up an atmosphere of accountability and transparency in the country.
“You must be professional in all you do. Our image should reflect our core values. I have been part of this system. I was out for three years and I know the way things are,” he said.
Bawa tasked officers of the commission with being above board, insisting that asset declaration is compulsory for all staff.
“This was the reason I recently directed that all staff should declare their assets. I have declared mine, so you must declare yours too,” he said.
