In a candid revelation, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, unveiled the cautionary words of President Bola Tinubu prior to his appointment. Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, Olukoyede shed light on the weighty responsibility he bears as he helms the nation’s anti-graft agency.
“Before I was appointed the EFCC Chairman, President Tinubu told me that this appointment that I was about to take, is one of the riskiest jobs that anybody can take,” Olukoyede recounted. However, he asserted his unwavering dedication to upholding the rule of law and the ethics of the profession, setting a resolute stance in the face of daunting challenges.
The Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, bolstered this sentiment by assuring the EFCC’s management of his steadfast support in their relentless pursuit of justice and accountability. Emphasizing the pivotal role of the EFCC in combating criminality, the Emir reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the sanctity of the law, thus cementing the symbiotic relationship between the anti-graft agency and the traditional institution.
Reflecting on his own journey, the Emir underscored the significance of integrity and astuteness in leadership, drawing from his experiences in the civil service. His counsel to Olukoyede centered on the imperative of remaining steadfast in upholding the rule of law, echoing the principles espoused during the Chairman’s screening at the Senate.
As the EFCC continues to navigate the complex landscape of combating financial crimes, Olukoyede’s disclosure serves as a poignant reminder of the arduous path trodden by those dedicated to upholding transparency and accountability at the helm of national institutions.
