The Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF, has expressed its support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in its anti-corruption crusade.
This is coming as the Supreme Court reserved ruling on the suit against the EFCC by 19 other governors over the constitutionality of its establishment.
Chairman of the forum and governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, expressed this commitment at the 2024 National Cybercrime Summit held in Abuja.
The summit was organised by the EFCC in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme, RoLAC, and the European Union
The summit is with the theme: “Alternative to Cybercrime: Optimising Cyber Skills for National Development,” focused on enhancing digital skills as a strategy to combat cybercrime.
The NGF chairman called for synergy on cyber-security in the country to enhance national development.
Abdulrazaq emphasised the need for a shift in the public perception of crimes.
He expressed delight at the efforts of the EFCC, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in educating young Nigerians on issues related to crime, drug abuse, and patriotism.
“You have our full support in this endeavor. I am impressed with what the EFCC, NDLEA, and NOA are doing in the new media and our basic schools to dissuade young people from engaging in crimes, drug abuse, and to promote patriotism.
”This effort should be elevated so that we can achieve a national consensus on the behaviors that form the foundation of our cultural legacy as Nigerians.
“We also commend the EFCC for organising this summit. I am confident that, after this gathering, we will be better informed and more motivated to improve the public’s perception of cybercrime,” he said.
In the same vein, Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, in a chat with newsmen, expressed readiness to support the commission in its anti-corruption crusade in Zamfara and the country as a whole.
Lawal said that he was not afraid of the EFCC’s investigation, and would give the commission the required assistance.
According to him, people elected to positions of leadership should be accountable and transparent.