EFCC Boss Charges South-South Commission on Integrity, Transparency

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged the newly inaugurated management of the South South Development Commission (SSDC) to anchor its operations on integrity, accountability and transparency, warning that only then can the body make lasting impact in the Niger Delta region.

Olukoyede gave the charge on Thursday when the Managing Director of SSDC, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, led members of her management team on a courtesy visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.

Commending Olukoyede for reforms in the anti-graft agency over the last two years, Akpabio said the SSDC looked forward to collaborating with the EFCC in entrenching compliance and good governance.

“We acknowledge the reforms you and your Commission have put in place in the anti-corruption fight under your watch. You have brought in accountability, integrity and transparency. We are here to say that we want to collaborate with you. We are open to initiatives and training from the EFCC, especially in ensuring that all our internal and external activities embrace full compliance,” she said.

Also speaking, a board member of the SSDC representing Cross River State, Larry Odey, praised the EFCC chairman for demonstrating leadership that inspires confidence. “Your tenure truly represents a watershed, the end of an era and the beginning of another… There are clear indications everywhere that you are set to change the narratives,” he noted.

In his response, Olukoyede reminded the SSDC leadership of the enormous expectations that come with their mandate to serve the six Niger Delta states.

“Given your mandate, so much is expected of you and your team. I remember that there was so much expectation from the NDDC when it was put in place, but at a point, we had to go in there. Establish yourself and let people know that your commission is founded on integrity, accountability and transparency,” he said.

He advised the management to regard their appointment as a call to service, stressing that the Niger Delta people have long suffered neglect despite being the country’s oil hub.

“The last time I was in that region, I saw abject poverty in spite of the fact that the area is the goose that lays the golden egg. The people have been deprived of the natural resources that God has given them,” he said, recalling that billions of dollars recovered by the EFCC had been channeled to projects in Bayelsa and other Niger Delta states.

Olukoyede further urged the SSDC to deploy resources judiciously, embrace transparency through digital platforms, and avoid pitfalls that have dogged other interventionist agencies.

“Design your website. Whatever you apply for, put it there and let people verify. That’s how you can leave a name and legacy behind. Don’t follow the route of others,” he counseled.

The EFCC boss also warned against weak procurement practices, charging the team to study financial regulations and the Public Procurement Act to ensure value for money.

“Take your time before you put your signature on any paper. If you don’t understand, ask those who have the knowledge. Rest assured of our support and collaboration in ensuring that you succeed with your mandate,” he added.