By Nkechi Eze
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has urged the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA and civil society organisations to strive towards enhancing their involvement in the anti-corruption fight.
Dele Oyewale the commission’s spokesperson in an official signed statement disclosed that the call was made on Thursday, March 27, 2025 by the Acting Director, Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Bawa Usman Kaltungo when the leaders of Barnawa and Kaduna branches of the NBA alongside those of civil society organization, Corruption Trackers Initiative, CTI, North West Zone, paid him a courtesy visit.
“The EFCC is not an island unto itself. It needs the active involvement of professional bodies such as the NBA, civil society organizations and general public to win the fight against corruption in the country. We are encouraged by your involvement in the anti-corruption fight and wish to urge you to even show more commitment for the sake of our country. Our doors are always open to all stakeholders in the fight against corruption,” he said.
Kaltungo further urged all stakeholders in the anti-corruption fight to shun unethical behaviours and avoid acts that can bring their credibility to question. “We must always choose the path of honour because he who comes with equity must come with clean hands. Always carry out your duties lawfully and avoid engaging in activities that can put your credibility in question in the fight against corruption,” he said.
Leaders of the delegations described their collaboration with the EFCC in the anti-corruption fight as a necessary step for the good of the society.
Hamza Abideen, Executive Chairman, CTI, North west Zone stated that the successes of the EFCC in the anti-corruption fight inspired him and others to promote CTI as a voluntary anti-corruption movement. “We saw our involvement in the anti-corruption fight as an opportunity to support the country and rid it of corruption and all forms of financial crimes to pave the way for development to take place in the society.” He commended the EFCC for remaining dedicated and focused in the anti-corruption fight despite themounting challenges over the years.
Bukola Ajao, chairman NBA,Barnawa branch and Godwin.O. Ochai, NBA chairman, Kaduna Branch expressed total commitment of the lawyers umbrella body to the anti-corruption fight noting that the EFCC and the NBA must work in synergy to ensure that the corrupt and all those involved in financial crimes faced the wrath of the law.
The NBA leaders while congratulating Kaltungo on his appointment as Acting Zonal Director assured him of the cooperation of lawyers from both branches in the fight against corruption.
