The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered assets worth over ?500 billion.

Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this on Monday as he declared open the seventh edition of a three-day capacity-building workshop for judges and justices, organised by the EFCC and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja.

The Vice President, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the event, said as a result of the non-interference of the current administration in the activities of the anti-graft agency, the EFCC was making progress in ridding Nigeria of corruption.

He further disclosed that the EFCC had also secured 7,000 convictions in the past two years of the present administration.

“As an administration, we have prioritised public accountability by strengthening the anti-corruption agencies and giving them the needed independence to execute their statutory mandates.

“This enabling environment is evident in the impact that has been made in the last two years. The EFCC, for example, has recorded over 7,000 convictions in the past two years of the present administration and recovered assets in excess of ?500 billion,” VP Shettima said.

Proceeds Of Corruption

According to him, recovered proceeds of corruption are being used for developmental purposes across different sectors of the economy.

“Recovered proceeds of crime by the agency (EFCC) are being brought back into the economy to fund critical social investment programs, including the students’ loan and consumer credit schemes.

“We are equally working within the boundaries of the separation of powers to support the judiciary in improving the working conditions of judicial officers.

“The remuneration of judges has improved, and we are committed to further enhancement of their welfare and facilities,” he said.

The Vice President reiterated the Tinubu-led government’s stance on ensuring the rule of law and accountability among all public servants.

“There is no person or group who can accuse this administration of shielding political actors on account of their affiliation to this government or the political party.

“We have allowed both the judiciary and the anti-corruption agencies to exercise their constitutional and statutory powers to dispense justice and restore sanity.

“The evidence is before your eyes; we cannot claim to have excelled in our pursuit of a transparent system if we do not live by such examples,” he explained.

VP Preaches Patriotism

The Vice President urged members of the judiciary to carry out their duties with patriotism, noting that no section of society is insulated from the negative impact of corruption.

“Courts and judges are strong pillars of the anti-corruption process. Except that the society has full confidence that those who pillage our resources will be subjected to the rule of law and brought to justice through a pure and transparent process of adjudication, this sneer over our collective commitment to fighting corruption will only get louder.

“This point should resonate with Your Lordships as corruption is no respecter of persons. Your bonded position on the bench does not insulate you from the consequences of corruption.

“There are no special roads, hospitals, or communities for judges. We all shop in the same markets and face the same risk of insecurity, which is the culmination of decades of willful theft and wastage of the nation’s resources by corrupt public officials.

“I believe that it is in the enlightened interest of all Nigerians, members of the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary, inclusive, to join hands in this important task of fighting and winning the war against corruption in Nigeria.

“My Lords, distinguished guests, we have an opportunity to consolidate the efforts of the last two years to deliver an optimal anti-corruption framework that will support our quest for growth and development.

“A Nigeria free of corruption is possible if we all commit to doing what is right in our respective spheres of influence, and ensuring that those who debate from the norm are not allowed to go scot free.

“A robust judicial system is central to the success of anti-corruption efforts, and I count on our judges, our revived judges, to help us achieve this normal aspiration,” VP Shettima added. (Channels)