The new chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu has said he would not tolerate any act of indiscipline or corruption in the quest to cleanse the country.
Magu was appointed as a replacement to Ibrahim Lamorde who was removed from his office on Monday, November 9.
He urged EFCC officials to embrace transparency as he would not tolerate indiscipline. He noted that the country was in a critical period and it was the best time to set things right.
READ ALSO: FG Orders Investigation Into Lamorde’s Operations
Magu said: “Indeed, there is no better time to ginger up the anti-corruption campaign than now that we are faced with economic downturn and the attendant sharp decline in government revenues.
“There is need to make sure whatever is got for common use does not end up in private pockets.
“To attract foreign investments that will complement the income of the government, we need to clean up our systems to the level of global best practices. We intend to pay attention to these important areas.
“In all we do, I will be guided by the fear of God and patriotism. We will also have as our watchword, the rule of law and national interest.
“We will work in an open and transparent manner to ensure accountability. We will take whatever decision with the highest sense of responsibility.”
He said that although he was happy with the leadership position, he was aware of the huge task ahead.
“I am today faced with mixed feelings. I have that instinctive happiness for being the one chosen among an array of senior colleagues and competent contemporaries to take over the mantle of the leadership of this very professional institution.
“I also feel something heavy around my shoulders, occasioned by the burden of leadership and expectations. This call to duty is a no mean challenge, it is a huge task that requires commitment. I am humbled and challenged by this choice.”
“To the workers at all levels, I seek your maximum support and cooperation. This is a collective responsibility that can only be driven by the spirit of teamwork.
“I pledge to be a listening leader and one that is responsive to your welfare and capacity development.
“I am ready and willing to work with everybody without primordial concerns. However, everybody must sit up and demonstrate willingness to do the work.
“While we will intensify on our work out there, we will also keep an eye internally. I will not tolerate indiscipline nor condone abuse of office or acts of corruption.
“We have to remove the pecks in our eyes first, to clearly face the outside world. You have no place in the fight against corruption if you are corrupt yourself. We cannot be caught napping in our own primary calling.
“The task ahead is enormous and challenging, but with our collective commitment, we can deliver.”
He commended Lamorde for the work he did when he was EFCC boss.
READ ALSO: 9 Things You Should Know About New EFCC Chairman
“The former chairman of this commission and the senior management team have worked assiduously in this regard, in accordance with the founding objectives of the commission. We shall keep the spirit alive and improve on it.
“I use this opportunity to thank the outgoing executive chairman for his leadership and wish him the best in his future endeavours.”
Lamorde said that his exit was an act of God and urged the officials of the commission to give his successor the full support.
