By; AMOS TAUNA, Kaduna
A group under the auspices of Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA), has hailed the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government for youth inclusiveness in governance at all levels in the country.
The group noted that the appointment of Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, chairman Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the past one year, deserved speedy confirmation of the National Assembly.
In a statement made available to New Nigerian in Kaduna, issued by the Arewa Youth Assembly’s Speaker and Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Salihu Danlami and Aliyu Sanni respectively said, “The confirmation came and the 40-year-old was in the history books as not only the youngest, but the first career operative of the commission. This gladdens the hearts of the Arewa youth, raised their hopes and indeed in that we saw a symbol of fulfilment by the President, a future and permanent space for involvement of youths in governance which made us salute and appreciate the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari led administration in taking the bold steps and trusting the future of such sensitive and meaningful commission in the hands of the youths.”
The Arewa youth Assembly explained that it stood by the chairman, encouraging and motivating him to deliver as a youth, fight aggressively corruption and corrupt individuals by all means legally possible so as to redeem the image of Nigeria before the world and also not betray the confidence and opportunity confided in him by president Muhammadu Buhari.
The statement stated that even when threats of life and other challenges were facing Mr Bawa, the youth supported him, rallied around the country, showed their anger and disbelief and called for the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of such act.
It observed that within the period of Mr Bawa’s watch as the chairman of the EFCC, a lot has changed, looters are forced to surrender as they have no running place, pointing out that the anti-corruption fight has taken a new dimension which is already bringing back the sincerity and honesty of Nigeria being the giant of Africa before the world.
The group is of the view that with the chairman of EFCC’s energy as a youth and his vast experience, he has continued to ensure rapid, yet careful investigations, prosecution of defaulters in economic and financial crimes offences.
The statement observed that since the assumption of Mr Bawa as the chairman of EFCC, advisories have started to change the narrative in doing government business while enhancing transparency and accountability in public expenditure, stressing that enforcement action is guided by actionable intelligence and aimed at achieving and sustaining measurable outcomes against crimes.
According to the statement, “He (Mr Bawa) has prioritized Prevention through deliberate strategic actions designed to identify and address vulnerabilities within the relevant sectors of the economy. Bawa has also led the development of strategic advisories for informed policy decisions by the Government including the implementation of Advance Cargo Declaration/Cargo Tracking Note for Crude Oil Exports to curb crude oil theft.”
It stated that the Bawa administration has also embarked on internal reforms that transformed the Commission in line with international best practices, saying that barely under 10 months, the Commission developed 26 Departmental Standard Operating Procedures, and 21 policies & manuals to guide, standardize and strengthen the institutional capacity of the Commission.
The commission, the statement added that launched a 5-year strategic plan with clear objectives aimed at effective law enforcement action against Economic and Financial Crimes, stressing that Bawa has continued to redefine action against economic and financial crimes through renewed commitment and improved synergy with strategic alliance partners in law enforcement action.
The statement explained that the chairman amplified Nigeria’s commitment to the fight against corruption at the Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly and called on global leaders to support the unconditional return of stolen assets to victim States for development financing and implementation of the agenda 2030 for sustainable development.
