The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has charged 404 passing-out cadets to embody integrity and discipline as they begin their careers in the anti-graft agency.
Speaking at the Passing out Parade on Friday at the Nigeria Police Mobile Force Training College in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, Olukoyede stressed that rectitude is the foundation of their work.
The new batch comprises 294 detective superintendents and 110 detective inspectors.
READ ALSO: Legal expert slams Rivers assembly’s ₦254bn probe, as Tinubu hosts Ibas, EFCC chairman
“Being an operative of the EFCC carries heavy responsibilities of personal discipline, integrity, courage and accountability,” Olukoyede told the officers.
He warned that the EFCC maintains a “zero tolerance for corruption and compromise,” adding that sanctions for such practices among officers are “stiff.”
He emphasised that integrity is not just a slogan for the Commission, but “a rule of engagement and an article of faith in the work we do.”
The EFCC boss reminded the cadets, “You cannot offer the nation what you don’t have. Anti-corruption officers must be above board at all times.”
Olukoyede underscored the Commission’s heavy investment in their training, stating that it aims to produce officers that are intellectually sound, physically agile, and capable of operating at global standards.
He urged the new officers to be professional, diligent, and to strive to surpass existing records in the fight against graft, stating, “We are eager to break the siege of graft in our land.”
The Reviewing Officer of the Parade and Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule congratulated the cadets for their determination and resilience.
He commended the EFCC’s achievements but used the platform to appeal to the National Assembly to further strengthen the Commission by establishing a special anti-corruption court.
Sule argued that a dedicated court would expedite the handling of corruption cases and enhance the country’s overall fight against the menace.
READ ALSO: $4bn refineries repair: Group wants EFCC to release probe report
The event was also attended by the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Anti-Corruption, Senator Emmanuel Udende and Ginger Onwusibe, who offered their own admonitions to the new officers.
Cadet Amagiya Efe Princewill was recognised as the Overall Best Cadet in the superintendent category, while Sanni Ayoola Blessing emerged as the Overall Best in the inspector cadre.
