The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recorded 113 convictions nationwide in the last six months.

The Commission’s Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, who made the disclosure on Friday at an interactive meeting with stakeholders in Ikoyi, Lagos, said the feat was made possible by the contributions and support of stakeholders.

He vowed not to spare the corrupt despite the prevailing encumbrances. “We will not fail to bring to book those who have corruptly stolen our commonwealth and thereafter organise to destabilise the anti-corruption initiatives. I will not relent, I will fight . . . for the interest of our citizens and our children’s future,” he declared.

The EFCC boss, who observed that corruption was at the root of recent separatist agitations in parts of the country, urged for the joining of forces by all patriots to defeat these tendencies, adding that “we all have a stake in the peaceful co-existence of this nation.”

Civil society leaders who spoke at the forum called on the Commission to improve its prevention awareness campaign by creating communication strategies that would motivate the masses to join the anti-corruption crusade.

Malachy Ugwumadu, President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), described the anti-corruption fight not only as a class struggle, but a war that must be won by the people. “This is a class struggle between the political elites and those of us fighting to rescue the soul of our society. The battle may be lost if we don’t reorganise and focus on the people who seem confused due to manipulation by the corrupt few,” he said.

Jiti Ogunye, lawyer and human rights activist, acknowledged the challenges confronting the anti-corruption agencies “especially the dangerous environment in which their personnel operate.” He sued for encouragement for all the agencies in order to reduce the pressure on EFCC.

While calling for commitment and synergy among civil society groups, Dr. Joe Odumakin of Women Arise, said: “This is not a day to agonise but to organise and put our strategies in focus. Enough of the diversionary tactics employed by those who hate the commission. We must put our house in order, and create more awareness in the communities on the dangers of corruption and how we can mobilise the common people for support.”

Other speakers who lent their voices to the campaign included Wahab Shittu, university lecturer and human rights lawyer; Foluke Michael, project coordinator , Creative Youth Initiative Against Corruption (CYIAC); and Liborous Oshomah, human rights activist among others.

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