EFCC Urges Local Government Leaders to Uphold Integrity, Accountability

In a renewed drive to curb corruption at the grassroots, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called on local government chairmen and their staff across Nigeria to adhere strictly to existing regulations and ethical standards in the discharge of their duties.

This appeal was made on Monday, July 28, 2025, during the opening session of a sensitization and training workshop for elected political office holders and senior management in Ondo State’s local governments. Represented by the Acting Zonal Director, Benin Zonal Directorate, ACE I Effa Okim, Olukoyede lauded the Ondo State government for organizing the event, describing it as crucial for equipping grassroots leaders with the knowledge necessary to conduct themselves responsibly and competently.

He stated that such sensitization aligns with the EFCC’s preventive mandate to fight economic and financial crimes, emphasizing the need for public officials to understand both their legal obligations and boundaries to prevent misuse of public office.

Delivering the keynote address, Ondo State Governor Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa underscored the importance of the workshop in strengthening local governance and enhancing administrative accountability. “It is an opportunity to equip our political leaders and top local government managers with the requisite knowledge, tools, and orientation required to perform their duties with competence, transparency, and a deep sense of responsibility,” Aiyedatiwa remarked.

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The Acting Head of the Legal and Prosecution Department, Benin Zonal Directorate, ACE I Francis Jirbo, addressed the theme of “Corruption and Abuse of Office: Prevention and Control Strategies.” He warned public office holders of the dangers and legal consequences of abusing power for personal gain, referencing relevant sections of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, and the Criminal Code Act.

ACE I Williams Oseghale, Head of Public Affairs, highlighted EFCC’s significant achievements since its inception in 2003, citing numerous convictions of prominent figures including state governors, bankers, police and military officers, and local government officials. Oseghale noted the recovery of substantial assets, such as 753 duplexes in Abuja, and landmark crackdowns, including the arrest of 792 individuals for cybercrimes and money laundering in a single operation in Lagos.

Of particular relevance to local administrations, Oseghale referenced the conviction of several local government leaders, including Ibrahim Baba (Kaduna State), Ibrahim Baba Gayius (Adamawa State), and Samuel Bulus Adamu (Gombe State), for offenses ranging from fraud to abuse of office.

He also cited Section 7 of the EFCC Establishment Act, empowering the Commission to investigate individuals whose lifestyle appears inconsistent with their legitimate income.

Despite these successes, Oseghale admitted that the EFCC faces substantial challenges, notably attempts to intimidate its officers, funding constraints for preventive initiatives, delays in legal proceedings, and widespread public cynicism.

Participants at the workshop included elected chairmen, deputies, councillors, and top local government staff from across Ondo State. Resource persons presented papers on topics such as procurement fraud and compliance with anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism financing laws.

The event reinforced the growing resolve among anti-graft agencies and government at all levels to instill a culture of transparency, professionalism, and rule of law in the nation’s public service.