Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has lauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its unprecedented records of achievements in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

Ojukwu, who led a delegation on a tour to the EFCC on Tuesday said: “The solitary visit is driven out of the desire to partner with the EFCC not only in the promotion and protection of human rights of Nigerians, but also in the eradication of corruption”.

According to him, Human Rights are the greatest casualty of corruption and the NHRC was ever willing to work in partnership with EFCC.

“The root of Nigeria’s underdevelopment is corruption, as the cost of development in Nigeria is about ten times what is spent elsewhere due to the negative effects of corruption. But if the resources are managed well, Nigeria will experience remarkable development.

“Behind all the human rights violations, if the issue of corruption is not addressed, Nigerians will continue to suffer due to inadequate infrastructures such as free health care, good roads and access to electricity, which among others are basic human needs in any given society.

“We are here to salvage the system, so the Executive Chairman of EFCC deserves every support to achieve a corrupt free Nigeria,” Ojukwu said.

While commending the EFCC on the whistle blower’s policy, he further emphasised the role of anti-graft agencies in the fight against corruption as one that is critical, as it will make the work of NHRC less cumbersome as peoples’ rights would be protected

The Acting Chairman, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, welcomed the delegation delightfully and expressed willingness to partner with NHRC.

Magu, in his remarks, urged Nigerians to be watchdogs and report all cases of economic and financial crimes to the EFCC.

The EFCC boss further said that there is a “Witness Protection Unit” in EFCC to ensure protection is given to every witness and safeguard their rights in the whistle blower’s scheme.

While using the opportunity to formally invite everyone to join the “Youth Anti-Corruption Road Walk” to mark the African anti-corruption Day celebrated every July 11, the anti-graft Czar said that, “every Nigerian has a responsibility to fight corruption even the children need to be educated on corruption.

The NHRC boss was accompanied on the visit by the Director Human Rights Education and Promotion, Mohammed Ladan; Director Procurement, Joachim Afolabi; Director Human Resources, B. Sabo; Director economic, Socio-cultural Rights, Musa Salihu; Director of Legal Enforcement, Omodara Olaniyi; Director, Civil & Political Rights, A. A. Yakubu; Director, Corporate Affairs & External Linkages, Lambert Oparah. He rounded off the visit with a tour of the cell and medical facilities of the Commission.

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