Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Lamorde, has described corruption as one of the causes of the pervasive poverty in Nigeria.

Speaking at the weekend in Abuja during the annual National Association of Seadogs (NAS) Feast of Barracuda with the theme:  A New Dawn in Nigeria: Practical Steps to Eradicate Corruption, Lamorde expressed the resolve of the Commission to continue to checkmate the activities of the morally corrupt people who have brought shame upon the Nigerian society.

The EFCC boss, who spoke through the Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Osita Nwajah, said: ‘‘It is heart-warming that Professor Wole Soyinka, one of the founding fathers of this Association, who has consistently identified with the ideals of the EFCC, had long taken a stand against those who have made it their sole goals in life to steal our common patrimony and rub our faces in the mud.’’

He also charged the NAS to come up with workable strategies against corruption, following the inauguration of President Muhammad Buhari who has declared that his government would have zero tolerance for corruption.

 Lamorde, who commended the organizers for the choice of the theme which he described as apt, added that though there is no one sure approach to eliminating corruption in any society, the EFCC had recognized that the most effective way to fighting corruption is through a sustained and multi-pronged approach that involves every member of the society.

 According to him, ‘‘this approach, when viewed against the backdrop of the corruption challenge must effectively combined investigation, prosecution, prevention and education. We must also not forget institution building.

‘‘The EFCC has actively propagated all aspects of this multi-dimensional approach to the anti-corruption war. Thus, while our vigorous investigation and enforcement activities in all spheres of the Nigerian society-from banking to the extractive industry,  and from the public to the private sector- seem to have defined the Commission, we are also active in prevention and civil engagement and education activities.’’

Lamorde, lauded the NAS for partnering with the Commission in the early days of its prevention project tagged Fix Nigeria Initiative.

‘‘We are the first to admit that we cannot win the war against corruption by ourselves alone. We, therefore, welcome all interventions from one and all,’’ he said.

Media Unit,

June 06, 2015