Acting Chairman of the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, yesterday said
the war against corruption is a do-or-die for the growth of Nigeria.
Addressing journalists
after leading officials of the commission in a walk against corruption in
Abuja, Magu said Nigerians must resolve to either win the battle or die trying.
The event was part of
activities marking the 2017 International Anti-corruption Day with the theme:
“United Against Corruption for Development, Peace and Security.’’
“The fight against
corruption is now a war in which there is a clear line between forces of evil
and those of good; between agents of progress and reactionary elements who mean
no good.
“But for those of us
on this side of the divide, in the anti-corruption agencies of government, in
the media and civil society, the dagger is drawn and I believe I am speaking
the minds of everyone on this side.
“We intend to neither
retreat nor surrender in our noble intention to cure our country of the evils
of corruption.
“For us as a country,
the fight against corruption is a do-or-die affair. We have to win the battle
or die trying.’’
The EFCC boss gave a
strong warning to looters, stressing that the long arm of justice would
eventually catch up with them no matter how hard they try to cover their
tracks.
Magu called on
Nigerians to renew their common consensus against corruption and resolve to
halt “Nigeria’s number-one enemy’’ in its stride.
“As individuals and
patriotic citizens of this country, we have to work out a united front against
corruption in line with the theme of this year’s International Anti-corruption
Day.
“The formidable force
against corruption that we need to form is not necessarily in physical groups
or organisations, important as that is, but in our hearts to make a solemn
commitment.
“Winning the fight
against corruption means signing an unwritten accord with our maker that we
will not indulge in corruption and to detest those who mortgage our collective
future through corruption.’’
He said Nigerians had
a duty to, not only to support efforts of the anti-corruption agencies, but to
help with information that would blow the cover on corrupt elements.
The Acting
Auditor-General of the Federation, Mr Anthony Ayine, who participated in the
walk, decried the huge negative impact of corruption on the nation’s
development.
“I have to personally
be present to participate in this programme.
‘‘I suspended
everything I had for this because it is when we are united in this fight that
we will defeat corruption.
“But our people don’t
understand the cost of corruption to this nation. Look at our infrastructure
decay. It is principally because of corruption that Nigeria is where we are
today.
“Nigeria should be
competing with other developed countries but for corruption.
“So, like the chairman
has said, all hands must be on deck, we have to unite to fight corruption,”
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