Vice Chairman of the South East Constitution Review Committee, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, has expressed confidence that Nigeria could witness the complete eradication of corruption in the public sector if the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) sustains its current pace and efficiency.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, in support of the anti-graft agency’s recent performance, Nwaebonyi commended the EFCC Chairman and his team for transforming the commission from what he described as a “media trial agency” into an institution producing tangible results.
He stated, “You remember that before now, EFCC was doing more of a media trial without achieving much results. But you can see 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.”
Nwaebonyi also emphasised that the EFCC operates with a reasonable level of independence and should not be seen as acting under political influence. He urged the agency to periodically brief Nigerians on the progress of high-profile cases, including those where no solid evidence is found, to prevent the generalisation that all politicians are corrupt.
He stated, “Law is a game, governed by rules and facts. So if somebody brings up a petition that so and so politician has embezzled a certain amount, it is left for the EFCC or any other agency doing the investigation to investigate, to know whether that allegation is true or not.
“EFCC is doing a good job. We are not dictating for them. They are a bit independent in their investigation. So I believe that at the right time, they will brief Nigerians on the findings they have come up with in some of their high-profile cases. And just like we mentioned, most of these high-profile cases that have no prima facie case against such individuals should be made public, so that Nigerians will not say all politicians as thieves, because not all politicians are thieves. We still have good leaders who are out to set things right for the development of this country.”
Melissa Enoch
