The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had warned him about the risks associated with the job.
Olukoyede, who was appointed by Tinubu earlier this year, spoke during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, on Friday at his palace.
He said, “During my screening at the Senate, I told the entire nation that I am going to face a three-point agenda, and I want to assure Your Royal Highness that with these points, the EFCC will continue to serve the nation better without any intimidation or cause to affect the operation of any legitimate business.”
Recounting his conversation with the President, Olukoyede stated, “Before I was appointed the EFCC Chairman, President Tinubu told me that this appointment that I was about to take, is one of the riskiest jobs that anybody can take.” He added, “I replied to him that it wouldn’t be hard because I am going to be guided by the rule of law and ethics of the profession.”
The Emir of Ilorin, who is also the Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, pledged his unwavering support to the EFCC in its fight against crime and criminality. He said, “Since the establishment of the anti-graft agency, I have never pleaded on behalf of anyone who has violated the law of the land saying, ‘This is because I cannot say the government is wrong for doing the right thing in society.’”
He further noted the peaceful nature of the Ilorin Emirate, stating, “Ilorin Emirate is peaceful and you will discover that most people who carry out criminal acts are always outsiders and unfortunately, the people of Ilorin always end up being their landlords. Ilorin Emirate is the gateway between the North and the South and I am the gatekeeper.”
Drawing on his own experiences as the acting Director of Public Prosecution in the old Gongola State, the Emir cautioned Olukoyede to remain focused and uphold the rule of law.
