Vice Chairman of the South East Constitution Review Committee, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, has said Nigeria can completely end corruption in public offices if the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continues its current anti-graft campaign.
Speaking in an interview on ARISE News on Wednesday, Nwaebonyi praised the EFCC for what he called a “positive change” in the way the commission now handles corruption cases, noting that before now, the agency was mostly known for media trials.
“Before now, EFCC was doing more of a media trial without achieving much results, But within these two years plus, EFCC has secured a lot of convictions, showing that they are working. And I believe that if they continue in this way, then very soon corruption will be completely eradicated in our public system,” he said.
Nwaebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North in the National Assembly, also commended the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede and his team for what he described as their “courage and commitment” in fighting corruption despite challenges. He said the agency’s efforts were beginning to restore public trust in the fight against corruption.
Nwaebonyi dismissed claims that the EFCC was being used by politicians to target their opponents, saying the agency was working independently.
He urged Nigerians to support the commission instead of criticising its work.
He also advised the EFCC to keep the public informed about its investigations, especially high-profile ones involving politicians, even when suspects are found innocent. According to him, this will help Nigerians understand that not every politician is corrupt.
“Law is a game governed by rules and facts. If a petition is raised against any politician, it is left for the EFCC or any other investigating body to find out if it is true or not.
“At the right time, they should brief Nigerians on their findings so people will not believe all politicians are thieves. We still have good leaders who are trying to set things right for the growth of this country,” he said.
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