I’ll Ginger Up Anti-Corruption Campaign, Says Magu

The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, said yesterday that he would ginger up the anti-corruption campaign. He said he would be guided by the fear of God, patriotism, the rule of law and national interest.

Magu pledged to work in an open and transparent manner to ensure accountability.

He asked the commission officials to sit up because he would not condone indiscipline.

The Nation report continues:

Magu, who unfolded his agenda after taking over from the outgoing Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, said he knew he had a heavy burden on his shoulders.

Said he: “Indeed, there is no better time to ginger up the anti-corruption campaign than now that we are faced with economic downturn and the attendant sharp decline in government revenues. There is need to make sure whatever is got for common use does not end up in private pockets. To attract foreign investments that will complement the income of the government, we need to clean up our systems to the level of global best practices. We intend to pay attention to these important areas.”

The acting chairman listed four things that would guide his administration.

He said: “In all we do, I will be guided by the fear of God and patriotism. We will also have as our watchword, the rule of law and national interest.

“We will work in an open and transparent manner to ensure accountability. We will take whatever decision with the highest sense of responsibility.”

Magu said although the burden of leadership on his shoulders was heavy, he assured the nation that he would “not falter.”

He said: “I am today faced with mixed feelings. I have that instinctive happiness for being the one chosen among an array of senior colleagues and competent contemporaries to take over the mantle of the leadership of this very professional institution.

“I also feel something heavy around my shoulders, occasioned by the burden of leadership and expectations. This call to duty is a no mean challenge, it is a huge task that requires commitment. I am humbled and challenged by this choice.”

The acting EFCC boss enjoined the officials to sit up, vowing that he would not tolerate indiscipline.

He noted: “To the workers at all levels, I seek your maximum support and cooperation. This is a collective responsibility that can only be driven by the spirit of teamwork.

“I pledge to be a listening leader and one that is responsive to your welfare and capacity development.

“I am ready and willing to work with everybody without primordial concerns. However, everybody must sit up and demonstrate willingness to do the work.

“While we will intensify on our work out there, we will also keep an eye internally. I will not tolerate indiscipline nor condone abuse of office or acts of corruption.

“We have to remove the pecks in our eyes first, to clearly face the outside world. You have no place in the fight against corruption if you are corrupt yourself. We cannot be caught napping in our own primary calling.

“The task ahead is enormous and challenging, but with our collective commitment, we can deliver.”

He, however, told the management and workers that he would not undermine the achievements of his predecessor.

His words: “Let me, by way of paying tribute to the founding team of this institution, state our resolve not to falter on the well-established tradition of patriotism, dedication, courage and fearlessness. We will take this responsibility with  the utmost seriousness it deserves.

“There may be no need to rehash the facts of the enormity of the corruption endemic and why fighting corruption to a standstill is a lifesaver for our country. Indeed, corruption cannot coexist with any meaningful development.

“The former chairman of this commission and the senior management team have worked assiduously in this regard, in accordance with the founding objectives of the commission. We shall keep the spirit alive and improve on it.

“I use this opportunity to thank the outgoing executive chairman for his leadership and wish him the best in his future endeavours.”