The head of Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency has issued a bold public challenge, daring anyone to provide evidence of him accepting a bribe or engaging in fraud.
Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), insisted during a television interview on Sunday that his record in public service remains untainted by illicit enrichment.
“I challenge anybody to say, ‘Oh, this man has ever collected one bottle of coke or one naira to influence my sense of judgement’,” Olukoyede told Channels Television.
‘Not a dime’
Addressing his career history—which includes roles as Chief of Staff and Secretary of the EFCC before his appointment as Chairman—Olukoyede dismissed rumors linking him to the mismanagement of seized assets.
The chairman emphasized that during his time managing and disposing of recovered property, he maintained a strict “matter of principle” regarding personal gain.
“You can’t trace any asset to me, nor any member of my family,” he said. “No Nigerian can say I collected one dime.”
Asset declaration
In a country where public officials are often accused of opaque finances, Olukoyede maintained that his wealth is open to scrutiny.
Key points from the Chairman’s defense:
- Legal Compliance: He confirmed he has declared his assets at every stage of his career, from Chief of Staff to Chairman.
- Staff Accountability: He reminded the public that he had ordered all EFCC staff to follow suit and declare their own assets to ensure internal transparency.
- Public Scrutiny: He invited Nigerians to investigate his financial standing, stating his lifestyle is something “anybody can verify.”
Loyalty to the mandate
When asked if he considered himself an “upright” man, the EFCC boss replied that he performs his duties with “every sense of diligence” and loyalty to the commission’s mandate.
The challenge comes at a time when the EFCC is under intense pressure to demonstrate its independence and effectiveness in tackling high-level corruption within Nigeria’s political and business elite.
“If you have ever offered me a bribe, and I collected, come out and say it,” he concluded.
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