FBI lauds appointment of EFCC Chairman

The appointment of Mr. Ola Olukoyede as the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has garnered praise from Mr. Jack Smith, the Legal Attaché of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Nigeria.

This was disclosed in a statement shared on the EFCC social media handle on Wednesday.

During a visit to the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Abuja, Smith expressed his commendation for Olukoyede’s appointment.

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Smith asserted that he had personally undertaken the task of examining Olukoyede’s background and discovered that he possessed exceptional qualifications to head the EFCC.

He lauded the EFCC’s agenda for reform and refocus, emphasizing that it would propel the Commission’s anti-corruption mandate forward.

Earlier, Olukoyede expressed his gratitude for the visit and highlighted the longstanding relationship between the FBI and Nigeria, which dates back to before the establishment of the EFCC. He emphasized that his reform agenda for the Commission is not a radical departure from previous approaches, but rather a refinement of existing strategies to more effectively fulfill the EFCC’s mandate. “It is crucial that we clearly define the focus of our anti-corruption efforts,” he asserted.

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While acknowledging the importance of achieving tangible results, Olukoyede underscored the commission’s unwavering commitment to employing ethical and lawful means to combat corruption. He emphasized that the Commission’s pursuit of results is not at the expense of due process and the upholding of fundamental rights.

These revisions aim to enhance clarity, conciseness, and overall coherence while preserving the original meaning of the text.

“While we anticipate positive outcomes, we remain vigilant about the methods employed to achieve those results,” stated the EFCC Chairman. He reaffirmed the agencies’ strong partnership, emphasizing their shared commitment to progress.

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Olukoyede outlined several significant initiatives undertaken by the Commission, including an upcoming public awareness campaign focused on youth participation in cybercrime. “We are deeply concerned about the well-being of our nation’s youth and are committed to guiding them towards a positive path. While certain external factors influence their choices, we will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address these challenges,” he affirmed.

Smith was joined on the visit by Jim Oscar and Ayotunde Solademi.