EFCC Laments Eroded Moral Value In Nigerian Society, Tasks Traditional Rulers To Lead Anti-Corruption Crusade

ABEOKUTA - The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has lamented that the core values of morality and integrity had been eroded by unbridled greed for instant wealth by some members of the Nigerian Society.

EFCC Lagos Zonal Commander, Ahmed Ghali, made the call during a Town Hall meeting organized by the Right Thinkers Initiative, a.k.a EaglePing, on Thursday, November 25, 2021 in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Ghali, who was represented by the Deputy Zonal Commander, EFCC, Lagos, Emeka Okonjo, said traditional leaders had a crucial role to play in the ongoing war against corruption and economic and financial crimes owing to their proximity to the grassroots.

He also stated that traditional rulers have important roles to play in entrenching the values of integrity, discipline and honesty in the lives of their subjects, particularly in this modern time.

“Irrespective of the changing times, leaders at the grassroots have key responsibilities in ensuring the distilling and dissemination of the core values of correctness and morality among members of the grassroots.”

He, therefore, urged traditional rulers to help in reversing the trend, adding that “Our royal fathers and paramount leaders have an onerous, but achievable task in this regard, by using your good offices to champion the crusade against corruption among your subjects.

“You will all agree with me that one strategic means of curtailing corruption in the society is through value re-orientation.

“As a result, we consider you as critical partners in achieving this task because it cannot be left to the EFCC alone.”

Also, Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Abiodun Alamutu advised Nigerians to work together with the relevant security agencies to strengthen the fight against corruption in the country 

Mr Alamutu also encouraged the youths to always say no to corruption and shun social vices while channeling their time and energy towards profitable ventures that would not put their future in jeopardy. 

In a remark, the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Abosede Ogunleye encouraged Nigerian students to shun corruption and report anyone involved in suspicious activities to the relevant security agencies.

Other speakers at the town hall meeting were unanimous in their submissions on the need for collaboration between public agencies and the private sector with Nigerians, particularly at individual and community levels to give credence to the theme of the meeting "the role of traditional institution in the process of fighting corruption".