The Chairman of the  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr Ola Olukoyede, on Thursday, raised the alarm about the craze for gratification and bribes among the commission`s investigators, noting that he had a process in motion to fish them out.
Olukoyede made this disclosure on Thursday in his New Year address to staff members of the anti-graft agency at the commission`s headquarters in Abuja.
According to the EFCC chairman, public opinion about EFCC investigators is poor,  a situation he described as embarrassing for the anti-graft agency.
He warned that such conduct would no longer be tolerated under his watch, vowing that he would wield the big stick against investigators taking bribes.
Olukoyede said, “At this point, I need to strongly reiterate the issue of discipline,  integrity and sense of responsibility in the way we do our work.
The craze and quest for gratification, bribes and other compromises by some of our investigators are becoming too embarrassing and this must not continue.
I will not hesitate to wield the big stick against any form of infraction by any staff of the Commission.
The Department of Internal Affairs has been directed to be more ardent in its work and monitor every staff in all their engagements.
” He said steps were already being taken to improve the welfare of EFCC staff members.
However, the new year promises to bring smiles on the faces of staff across all the commands.
However, to whom much is given, much is expected,” the EFCC chairman said.
While noting that last year threw up monstrous challenges on the corporate strength of the EFCC, Olukoye said the commission had been able to stabilise the system and roll out fresh initiatives and policy direction for the EFCC following his appointment as chairman which came in the last quarters of 2023.
He said, “As you would recall, our new policy drive is premised on a three-pronged agenda and blueprint.
“There is no agency of government as crucial to the nation`s quest for growth and development as the EFCC.
“The second plank of our policy direction is putting modalities in place for running the administration and governance of the nation at various levels in a most responsible, accountable and transparent manner as well as building and promoting the international image and reputation of Nigeria in the eye of the world as a country that is worthy of attracting foreign direct investments.
To achieve all these, preventive mechanisms against corruption, adherence to the rule of law and engagement of diverse publics in the nation in the fight, are imperative.
“I equally talk about the overarching need for a transactional credit system as a potent means of keeping corruption at bay.
I want to particularly harp on the preventive modality which is the centerpiece of our new engagement.
I want every staff to be in tune with the new arrangement.
” He further hinted at the need for staff members of the EFCC to familiarise themselves with the commission`s reviewed guidelines for arrests and bail.
Olukoyede added, “Let me also talk about the review of the arrest and bail guidelines which I expect everyone to be familiar with by now.
The review is informed by the need for us to conform with international best practices in law enforcement.
“Lastly, I have always said that we are all privileged to be staff of the EFCC.
We should dignify the privilege of being EFCC staff with proportionate responsibility.