In a revelation that has sent shockwaves across the nation, Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), disclosed a chilling encounter with President Bola Tinubu before his appointment. Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, Olukoyede divulged the harrowing warning he received from President Tinubu, underscoring the perilous nature of his role.
“I am going to face a three-point agenda and I want to assure your royal highness that with these points, the EFCC will continue to serve the nation better without any intimidation or course to affect the operation of any legitimate business,” Olukoyede emphasized during his address to the Emir.
Reflecting on the foreboding caution from President Tinubu, Olukoyede recounted, “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.”
In a display of unwavering resolve, Olukoyede assured President Tinubu that he would navigate this treacherous terrain guided by the steadfast principles of the rule of law and ethical conduct. This revelation offers a rare glimpse into the daunting challenges that confront leaders on the frontlines of anti-corruption efforts, underscoring the gravity of their mandate and the formidable obstacles they confront.
In response to Olukoyede’s revelations, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Council of Chiefs, extended his steadfast support to the EFCC, affirming the paramount importance of its mission to combat crime and criminality in the state. The Emir’s staunch advocacy for upholding the law and maintaining societal integrity underscores the imperative of collective efforts in the pursuit of justice and accountability.
Recounting his own experiences as the acting Director of Public Prosecution in the old Gongola State, the Emir emphasized the profound responsibility that befalls leaders in upholding the sanctity of the rule of law. His sagacious counsel serves as a poignant reminder of the pivotal role that ethical conduct and principled leadership play in the governance and administration of justice.
As Olukoyede embarks on this arduous journey at the helm of the EFCC, the resounding echoes of President Tinubu’s solemn warning resonate with profound gravity. His pledge to uphold the rule of law and ethical standards resonates as a clarion call for unwavering commitment in the face of adversity, heralding a clarion stance against corruption and malfeasance.
The convergence of these narratives – from the cautionary words of President Tinubu to the resolute commitment of the Emir of Ilorin – crystallizes the intense scrutiny, unwavering dedication, and steadfast principles that underpin the fight against corruption. It serves as a potent reminder that the pursuit of justice often demands the courage to confront formidable risks and uphold the tenets of ethical governance, heralding a clarion call for resolute integrity in the face of daunting challenges.
