Hamzat Lawal, the Chief Executive Officer of Connected Development, has issued a statement in which he encourages the newly appointed Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, to collaborate with civil society organizations and other government agencies.
Lawal emphasizes the need to enhance whistleblower protection and foster stronger cooperation between the EFCC and sister agencies.
In his statement, Lawal underscores the crucial role of whistleblowers in exposing financial crimes in the country and calls on Olukoyede to prioritize transparency and accountability within the agency. He also stresses the importance of maintaining public trust and credibility in EFCC operations.
Efficient asset recovery and forfeiture processes are deemed pivotal by Lawal, who urges the anti-corruption agency to streamline these procedures. Furthermore, he recommends that Olukoyede engage with the youth and the public through awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to support the EFCC’s anti-corruption efforts.
“More importantly, he needs to uphold the independence of the EFCC in its operations, ensuring that it remains free from undue political influence. My advice to him is to provide solid and principled leadership to guide the EFCC in fulfilling its mandate and promote professionalism and ethical conduct within the organization.
“As the world continues to evolve, I will advise the new EFCC boss to encourage a culture of continuous learning and adaptation to address evolving forms of corruption in the country.
“He should also focus on a multi-faceted approach that combines effective law enforcement, prevention, and recovery efforts. Combating financial crimes is a complex task, and success will depend on adapting to new challenges and maintaining a strong commitment to the rule of law and justice.”
