Magu: EFCC secured 113 convictions in six month

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC) has recorded 113 convictions nationwide
between January and June, Ibrahim Magu, its acting
chairman, said on Friday.

Magu, according to a statement by the commission’s
spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, told stakeholders at an
interactive meeting that the convictions were made
possible by their contributions and support.

The EFCC boss reportedly vowed not to spare the
corrupt despite the prevailing obstacles in the anti-
graft war.

“We will not fail to bring to book those who have
corruptly stolen our commonwealth and thereafter
organise to destabilise the anti-corruption initiatives,”
he said.

“I will not relent, I will fight for the interest of our
citizens and our children’s future.”

Magu reiterated his position that corruption is at the
root of recent separatist agitations in parts of the
country, and urged all patriotic Nigerians to join forces
against those tendencies.

Civil society leaders, who spoke at the forum, called on
the commission to step up its awareness creation
activities on the prevention of corruption.

They urged the EFCC to create communication
strategies that would motivate the masses to join the
anti-corruption crusade.

Malachy Ugwumadu, president of the Committee for
the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), described the
anti-corruption fight as a class struggle and war that
must be won by the people.

“This is a class struggle between the political elites
and those of us fighting to rescue the soul of our
society,” he reportedly said.

“The battle may be lost if we don’t reorganise and
focus on the people who seem confused due to
manipulation by the corrupt few.”

Jiti Ogunye, a lawyer and human rights activist,
acknowledged the challenges confronting the anti-
corruption agencies, especially the dangerous
environment in which their personnel operate.

He sued for encouragement and public support for all
anti-corruption agencies to reduce the pressure on
EFCC.

On her part, Joe Odumakin of Women Arise called for
committment and synergy among civil society groups.

“This is not a day to agonise but to organise and put
our strategies in focus. Enough of the diversionary
tactics employed by those who hate the commission,”
she said.

“We must put our house in order, and create more
awareness in the communities on the dangers of
corruption and how we can mobilise the common
people for support.”

TheCable