Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has criticised Nigerians for condemning corruption while simultaneously defending corrupt individuals when they face prosecution.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday during a visit by officials of the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), led by Chris Olukolade, Olukoyede stressed that corruption remains the biggest obstacle to Nigeria’s development.
“One of the major problems in Nigeria which when tackled, will make under-development a thing of the past, is corruption and financial crimes,” he said.
The EFCC boss emphasised that the responsibility to fight corruption lies not only with the government but with every citizen, adding that true progress requires collective commitment to integrity and accountability.
Olukoyede also pointed out the contradiction in public attitudes, noting that while Nigerians decry corruption, they often support and defend corrupt leaders when they are prosecuted.
“Everybody is crying that Nigerians are corrupt, that the system is corrupt; that corruption is killing us and destroying our system, but when we investigate high profile cases and arraign people in court, the same people will carry placards and be supporting corrupt leaders.
“It doesn’t show that we are serious about this fight, the fight is supposed to be a collaborative effort,” he stated.
Olukoyede reiterated the EFCC’s commitment to combating financial crimes within the limits of the law and called for greater public collaboration in the fight against corruption. The agency, he said, will work with the CCC to enhance strategic communication and public awareness about integrity and accountability.
