–Says they are investigating 18 sitting Govs. …
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has alleged that public officials divert Nigeria’s resources every minute, looting the nation dry.
The Chairman of the Commission, Ola Olukoyede made the allegation in Abuja on Thursday at the 80th birthday celebration of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi.
He described corruption as a major threat to the country’s development.
The EFCC chairman disclosed that the commission receives more than 20,000 petitions relating to public-sector corruption annually, describing many of the cases as disturbing.
“I receive over 20,000 petitions in a year in respect to public corruption, all terrible. What is going on? Like every minute, public officers take money, and if you go through some of our case files you will weep,” he said.
Olukoyede lamented what he described as the continued diversion of national resources, expressing worry that Nigerians bear the consequences of fraudulent activities involving public officials.
He urged Nigerians to collectively reject corruption and demand greater accountability from those entrusted with public office.
Olukoyede observed that some public officers assume office with less than N100,000 in their bank accounts but, within a few years, become linked to millions of dollars through investigations by the EFCC.
He also alleged that some officials acquire and develop hundreds of houses while still serving in public office.
The EFCC chairman noted that the trend was damaging the country and called for stronger commitment to transparency and accountability in public service.
He stressed that public officials must be prepared to account for their actions and stewardship while in office.
