By; BUHARI B. BELLO, Jos
The acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, on Thursday said the introduction of the whistle-blower policy by the federal government has led to the recovery of about N17billion by the commission.
Mr. Magu made the disclosure while presenting a paper titled “Before Corruption Kills Nigeria”, at the 62nd Award Night of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), held at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Sheraton Hotels, Abuja.
In the paper, which was presented on his behalf by an official of the anti-graft agency, A. Bello, Mr. Magu said, “apart from several other recoveries running into several billions of naira, the recent whistle-blower policy, has led to the recovery of N521,815,000, $53,272,747, £122,890, and €547,730 by the EFCC.”
The EFCC boss, while reiterating the Commission’s commitment to combating corruption called on the media to support the ongoing fight against corruption as that was the only way the battle can be won.
“The EFCC is committed to pursuing its statutory mandate and to rescuing the Nigerian state and its people from being killed by corruption,” he said. “We call on the Media and well meaning Nigerians to join us in this crusade. With the government and people of Nigeria behind the EFCC, we shall surely be victorious”.
Mr. Magu also said the EFCC recorded 62 convictions in the first quarter of the year.
In his remarks, the National President of the NUJ, Abdulwaheed Odusile, pledged the union’s support for the EFCC and commended the Commission for its efforts in combating corruption of all manners in Nigeria.
He urged the agency to continue carrying out its operation without fear or favour.
