EFCC partners Nasarawa NUJ on fighting Financial Crimes
From Rabiu Omaku, Lafia
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it is partnering with the Nasarawa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to combat financial crimes in the State.
Effa Okim, the Acting Zonal Director, Makurdi Zonal Directorate stated this when he led his team for a courtesy visit to the NUJ Press Centre at the weekend in Lafia.
According to him, the visit was to ensure a robust collaboration aimed at strengthening the fight against corruption, cybercrime, and other financial malfeasance.
He explained that the commission has been working closely with Journalists and Civil Society Organisations to educate the public on the dangers of financial crimes and the importance of reporting suspicious activities.
The Zonal Director added that he was deployed to the Makurdi office about three weeks ago and decided to have a conversation with NUJ because of the important role they are playing in fighting corruption.
Noting that the commission at the headquarters had been working closely with NUJ since its establishment and attributed the feats it has achieved to the support from the media.
“Perception is stronger than reality, and you hold the key to educating and informing the public about the work we do and the dangers of corruption, hence the significance of the partnership.
“The Press had really projected the commission from inception and that is why we have the desired recognition and admiration across the world,” he added.
Okim said that the staff of the commission in the zone under him are ready to ensure that they tackle financial crimes within their jurisdiction of Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and Taraba States.
He emphasised that the public should put the interest of the State over and above any other interest and support the commission in eradicating corruption.
He explained that Journalists should always confirm information from the commission to avoid misinforming the public.
He further explained that the commission would ensure that public trust and resources are used for public food and not diverted for personal use.
He called on the public to report shady deals by public officers and people who became wealthy overnight without any justifiable means of income to the appropriate authorities for prompt action.
He therefore, expressed optimism that if corruption was tackled, the country would prosper, and it would go a long way to reorient the youths to believe in hard work, as was the case in the past.
Responding, Salihu Mohammed-Alkali, Nasarawa State NUJ Chairman appreciated the commission for the visit and assured that Journalists in the State would support them to succeed.
He appealed that the commission should provide Journalists with the right information when the need arises to enable them to inform the public properly about their activities.
