By Nkechi Eze
Traditional rulers in Yobe State have thrown their weight behind the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), pledging full support to the agency in its sustained efforts to combat corruption, economic and financial crimes across the country.
This affirmation was made during separate courtesy visits by the Maiduguri Zonal Director of the EFCC, Commander of the EFCC (CE) Aisha A.T. Habib, to the palaces of the Emirs of Damaturu and Potiskum.
In an official signed statement made available to Newspeg by the commission’s spokesperson Dele Oyewale, it was disclosed that receiving the EFCC delegation in Damaturu, the Emir of Damaturu, Alhaji Bubaram Ibn Wurma Bauya, expressed his willingness to support the Commission in fulfilling its statutory mandate. He described the EFCC’s mission as noble and essential to the moral and economic survival of the nation and assured the Zonal Director of his unflinching cooperation.
Similarly, in Potiskum, the Emir, Alhaji (Dr) Shehu Hashimi II Ibn Umar Al-Amin El-Kanemi, commended the EFCC for the significant progress it has made in the fight against corruption, particularly within Yobe State.
“The work of the EFCC is not an easy one, but your reward is with our creator. I urge you to continue doing what you do; the impact is felt by the citizens,” the royal father remarked.
He prayed for greater success for the Commission and offered his blessings, stating: “My doors are always open whenever the EFCC calls upon us. You have my support; our doors are always open for you at all times.”
The visits, which formed part of the EFCC’s engagement strategy with key stakeholders, were aimed at strengthening ties with traditional institutions to enhance grassroots sensitisation and public ownership of the anti-corruption crusade.
Speaking during the visits, Commander Aisha Habib urged the monarchs to use their revered positions to mobilise support within their domains and encourage citizens to reject corruption in all its forms.
“Actually, what the EFCC and the traditional institution do is to bring sanity to the system and the economy of the country. We therefore seek your blessings, support, and prayers for the success of the work we do,” she said.
She noted that the support of traditional rulers was indispensable to the success of the Commission’s operations, particularly in areas where cultural and community influence plays a pivotal role in shaping public behavior.
The visits underscore the EFCC’s continuous commitment to working with traditional institutions in order to sustain momentum in the ongoing fight against economic sabotage and societal decay.
