Adebayo Adenrele
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday commissioned the new Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Zonal Directorate Office in Ado-Ekiti, declaring that the facility would strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption architecture and deepen the fight against economic and financial crimes at the grassroots.
The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, performed the inauguration of the state-of-the-art office complex, describing it as a strategic investment in the nation’s anti-corruption institutions and a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and good governance.
Speaking at the event, Shettima said no nation could achieve sustainable development where corruption was allowed to thrive within public institutions.
According to him, the EFCC remains a critical institution in safeguarding public trust and protecting the nation’s economy from criminal activities.
“The institutions we build and the pace at which we invest in them matter greatly. No nation can rise above the integrity of its public systems because development is defeated when corruption is allowed to stand between citizens and the promises of the state.
“The prosecution of several high-profile corruption cases, including the conviction of a former minister and a former Managing Director of a national investment bank, sends a clear message that there are no hiding places for the corrupt” he added.
Earlier in his address, EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, described the commissioning of the Ekiti Zonal Directorate as a significant milestone in the Commission’s efforts to strengthen its operations across the country.
The EFCC Boss, who warned that public officials, regardless of their status, would remain accountable under the law, declared that no serving governor in Nigeria would immune from investigation or scrutiny by the Commission, stressing that the agency would continue to pursue corruption cases without fear or favour.
He further explained that the office was established to address operational challenges in Ekiti and Ondo States, which were previously supervised from distant EFCC commands.
Olukoyede assured residents that the Commission’s presence in the state should not be perceived as a threat, insisting that law-abiding citizens had nothing to fear.
“If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear. When the EFCC knocks on your door, it may simply be to seek your support in the fight against corruption.
“Because you are supporting us as Governor doesn’t give you immunity that would prevent us from checking your records, I hope you will open your doors if we want to check.
“The gap has now been permanently closed with this modern office complex, which has statutory responsibility to take the anti-corruption crusade closer to the people of Ekiti and Ondo states,” he said.
Also speaking, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji commended President Tinubu for approving the establishment of the EFCC office in the state.
The governor expressed optimism that the presence of the Commission would help curb economic and financial crimes, enhance investor confidence and contribute to the economic growth and development of Ekiti State.
