Group asks EFCC boss to address promotion imbalance

….urges him to appoint competent aides

By Mosunmola Ayobami,Ilorin

A group, Anti-Corruption Watch Group (ACWAG), has called on the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, to address promotion imbalance in the commission.

ACWAG said the internal imbalance has hobbled the fight against corruption by the Commission over the years.

The group advised Olukoyede to recruit qualified individuals within or outside who understand the operational philosophy of the Commission to help him in the task ahead.

The Anti-Corruption advocacy group made the call through its Convener, Mr Henry Olumuyiwa, on Monday during a media parley in Ilorin.

Olumuyiwa charged the EFCC to further rethink its strategy.

“It is our patriotic view at AcWaG that the first task before Mr Olukoyede, the new EFCC Executive Chairman, is to look out and select an inner crew of advisers who share his values and are mentally and intellectually on the same page with the patriotic drive to ensure that the values and doctrines of the anti-corruption fight are not compromised,” the group stated.

The group advised the EFCC Chairman to remain steadfast and strong to rebuff any attempt by anybody from any quarter to intimidate, threaten or frustrate him.

“Doing the right thing will also include reversing all illegal imbalances regarding placement and promotion.

“We are delighted to quote the Chairman on his unhappiness with the dangerous dichotomy within the staff ranks which has been negatively affecting both operational and administrative success of the commission,” ACWAG said.

The group also commended some individuals and the media who have selflessly drawn attention to the problems bedeviling the commission.

“We want to suggest that the new EFCC chairman consider appointing competent aides with clear understanding of the commission and the modern techniques of fighting corruption such as the type aptly displayed by Barr. Bashir,” AcWaG said.

The group also singled out the media for praise for drawing attention to the challenges at the EFCC.

“We take particular note of media related views like a 21, July publication of Daily Independent Newspaper, with a cover choice titled ‘Rot, Imbalance In EFCC Exposed’.

” For those who followed that news story, the newspaper made a painstaking investigation of multiple allegations made against the agency in the viral open letter to President Tinubu on alleged imbalance, promotion racketeering, nepotism and all manners of sleazy activities in the once respected and feared anti corruption agency,” the group said.

The group also lauded President Bola Tinubu for effecting changes at the EFCC.