ECONOMIC CRIMES COMMISSION ALERTS MEDIA OF TRICKS BY ALLEGED CORRUPT NIGERIANS TO EVADE PROSECUTION

The Commission boss in his keynote address delivered by the agency Acting spokesman, Tony Orilade, lamented that, In spite of the cordial relationship, ‘which we have over the years strived to cultivate with the media, we have seen unfortunate instances, where a section of the media have decidedly chosen to, instead, be ready tools in the hands of the corrupt, manifested in malicious, opinion articles and paid advertorials designed to malign the good intentions of the EFCC’.

He said, he has never at any point in time underestimated the role of the media in the fight against corruption, adding that in achieving success the media should team up with the commission’s anti-corruption crusade

His words, ‘I have never at any point in time underestimated the important role, which the media has to play in the fight against corruption, and indeed, in achieving success for the EFCC’s anti-corruption crusade. That is the reason, why I try as much as is possible to engage with the media – the Fourth Estate of the Realm’.

Penpushing further reports that, Magu expressed appreciation to the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), by inviting him to deliver a keynote address at the opening session, stating that the Centre was a key partner in achieving the mission of the commission in curbing corruption in our society.

He emphasized, ‘is obvious, considering its contributions to national discourse when it comes to the issue of fighting corruption. It is one of the reasons, why I deemed it of utmost importance to honour this invitation, in spite of my very tight and busy schedule’.

‘I consider the Centre for Democracy and Development an important ally in the fight against corruption, and I must put it on the record that I am delighted to be in your midst today. Equally important, is the germane issue that has been brought up for discourse for this extraordinary session – “Anti-Corruption Strategy and Media Engagement: Journey so far.

‘ For me, therefore, this platform of the Centre for Democracy and Development provides the opportunity to solicit support from the media in the fight against corruption, and in so doing, speak truth to the role of the media in the EFCC’s anti-corruption campaign, while sharing our experiences thus far’.

‘The single main problem militating against the development of our dear country, Nigeria, is corruption. It is a cankerworm that has eaten so deep into the fabrics of the society with its attendant ills on the citizenry. That Nigeria has all it takes – human and mineral resources to truly be the Giant of Africa is an obvious fact – one that is indisputable’.

Penpushing also reports that the commission chairman noted that, the quest to ensure that we do not create an environment for the corrupt to take over our society, is one that belongs to every one of us, including the media.

‘It should not be left only to the EFCC and sister anti-graft agencies. That is the crux of the matter at this high level strategic session. What we as an anti-graft agency have observed in recent times is that when you fight corruption, corruption fights back and often it does so through the media’.

‘It should be noted that journalists and bloggers, are not only the writers of history, they are expected to be partners in progress with the EFCC. No one is an island of knowledge or sole repository of the know-how of fighting corruption. We must be united in this fight against corruption’.

He also declared that, as the country approach the election season, it is necessary to once again stress that the commission will remain impartial and unbiased in the discharge of its duties, and  restated the agency  commitment in playing its  role effectively to ensure a free and fair election.

‘We have put in place necessary machineries to make sure that vote-buying becomes a thing of the past.  I am, therefore, using this opportunity to implore you as media professionals, to support the anti-corruption drive of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration’.

‘Because like I have said in recent times,  we do not have the monopoly of knowledge, skill and understanding. The EFCC as an anti-graft agency may be tasked with driving this necessary crusade, but we cannot do it all alone. As members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, and indeed, patriots, I call on you to join hands with us by partnering with the EFCC in its preventive measures to ensure that the war against corruption is won’.

Penpushing reports that, journalists were drawn across the states, as participants,  who also contributed robustly at the event. The Chairmen of the technical sessions include: Alabi Williams(Sunday Editor of Guardian Newspapers), Hon Kayode Oladele(Chairman House Committee on Financial Crimes) and Foluso Ogunmodede(Editor with Telegraph Newspapers)

In similar vein, panelists include: Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji(Founder, Penpushing Media), who spoke on ‘Mapping Area of Strategy for Synergy Building for Robust Engagement  of Media in the Fight Against Corruption and Lanre Arogundade(Executive Director, International Press Council) who spoke on Media and Anti-Corruption Reporting in Nigeria, Focus, Successes, Challenges and Opportunities.

Penpushing also reports that other panelists include: Emmanuel  Akomaye(Former Executive Director, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), who spoke on the topic, ’High Profile Corruption Cases  in Nigeria: What Role for the Media’,  Ismail Adeleye who spoke on,’Strengthening Financial Compliance in Fighting Corruption in Nigeria: Role  of Office of the Auditor General of the Federation’, and Vaclav Prusa (Programme Manager, Anti-Corruption and Promotion of Transparency in Public Finance Management , Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre), who handled the topic, ’Enhancing Asset Recovery Implementation Regime in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects’