The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC), along with a coalition of Anti-corruption crusade groups, has expressed their sincere appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive action in suspending the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, and the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa.
In a statement signed by the National Coordinator of the NDYC on behalf of the over 107-member Coalition of Anti-corruption crusade groups, Comrade Israel Uwejeyan, the Coalition noted that the “bold step showcases the President’s unwavering commitment to tackling corruption and upholding the principles of good governance.”
Following the development, the groups have urged the President to also include prominent individuals such as the former Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami; the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Hadi Sirika; the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Saadiyya Umar Farouk, and other high-ranking officials in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration who are allegedly involved in corrupt practices.
In an official statement signed by the National Coordinator of the NDYC on behalf of the coalition, which comprises over 107 Anti-corruption crusade groups, it was emphasized that this “bold step exemplifies the President’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption and upholding the principles of good governance.”
The groups acknowledged that the decision to suspend the CBN Governor and EFCC Chairman was made in the best interests of the nation and its citizens. They view it as a significant stride towards promoting accountability, transparency, and the restoration of public trust in crucial institutions.
“This will not only set a strong precedent but also demonstrate the President’s dedication to establishing a fair and just society.
“Furthermore, we want to emphasize the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of the EFCC as a whole. Corruption has deeply permeated the system, compromising its effectiveness in combating economic crimes.
“We urge President Tinubu to seize this opportunity to initiate wide-ranging reforms within the EFCC, strengthen its internal mechanisms, and equip it with the necessary resources to carry out its mandate effectively.
“In light of these recent developments, we respectfully request that the President extends the scope of investigations to include prominent figures such as the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Malami, the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Sirika, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Saadiyya Umar Farouk, and various other officials allegedly involved in corrupt practices within President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
“We implore President Tinubu not to relent or be deterred in his fight against corruption. Corruption has been a major impediment to our country’s progress, hindering economic growth, exacerbating social inequality, and eroding public trust.
“By taking decisive action against corrupt practices, the President demonstrates his firm commitment to advancing Nigeria and ensuring a brighter future for all its citizens.
“Lastly, we strongly pledge our unflinching support to President Tinubu in his quest to rid our nation of corruption. We stand ready to collaborate with the government in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.
“Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice prevails, where opportunities abound, and where the rule of law reigns supreme”, the groups said.