A former member of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Crimes, Hon. Kayode Oladele, has commended the new Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, over the spate of policy changes he has recently embarked upon to promote the rule of law, transparency and enhance the operational efficiency at the country’s foremost anti-graft agency.
The anti-corruption expert and erudite lawyer said from all indications, Olukoyede has started very well.
Oladele said the recent changes he is making to rejig the operations of the EFCC shows that he is on course to fulfill the mandate of the commission to curb corruption and tackle insecurity for Nigeria’s economic development.
The former federal lawmaker, who once served as the Chief of Staff to a former Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Lamorde, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, stated this during an interview with select journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.
He further commended President Bola Tinubu over Olukoyede’s appointment, adding that the decision was a right step in the right direction.
Oladele said: “I commend the President for finding him worthy of the appointment given his pedigree, knowledge and experience.
“Olukoyede has started very well and there is the need to commend him over his giant strides since he assumed office as the EFCC Chairman.
“It is instructive to note that Olukoyede had stated during his confirmation hearing before the Senate that he would be guided by the rule of law in all his activities at the Commission and obey court orders.
“Incidentally, he has been using the instrumentality of the law in running the agency.
“We must commend him for these positive steps.
“For the records, Olukoyede has banned sting operations in the night by the operatives of the commission and reviewed the agency’s guidelines on bail conditions for suspects.
“You will also recall that when the court ordered the release of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, the EFCC under the watch of Okukoyede complied with the court order.
“Another step that is worthy of note is Olukoyede’s pronouncement on Post No Debit as he declared that the era of indiscriminate use of PND on accounts of suspects or firms without due process is gone.
“The use of PND on any flagged account will now be based on the facts and merits of the matter to separate the issue of proceeds of crimes from genuine business transactions.
“This is a welcome development as this measure will stimulate business growth and create a positive environment for investment.
“It is important to state that Olukoyede has stated that he is interested in promoting the growth of companies and business activities for employment opportunities and not to stifle the economic wellbeing of the firms.”
Oladele also commended the EFCC Chairman over his decision to prioritise the welfare of EFCC staff, saying the measure would motivate the staff and encourage them to serve the country without fear or favour.
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Commenting on Olukoyede’s meeting with representatives of leading Civil Society Organisations at his office in Abuja on Monday, Oladele encouraged him to deploy his previous experiences and exposure to also rally all other anti-corruption agencies for a concerted fight against corruption.
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