Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri, has charged officials of the commission to make discipline, integrity and commitment to their fatherland their watchwords in the discharge of their duties.
She gave the charge at the end of a three-day retreat for top management staff of the commission held in Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos at the weekend.
“Officials have to be ready to make sacrifices in the service to their fatherland. We need discipline, integrity and commitment to Nigerians to be able to do this complex work of ridding our nation of economic and financial crimes as well as other forms of corruption.
“I am aware that there are temptations on your way, but if these principles form your driving force, you will never make the mistake of being compromised under whatever guise or excuse.
“I know there is room for appreciation in African culture. But in EFCC, it is not only a sin but a crime for any officer to take a gift or gratification from anyone over any official matter,” she said.
The EFCC boss urged all officials and staff members to imbibe the three principles, warning that anyone found wanting would not only be shown the way out, but would also be prosecuted.
“I have given directive for the dismissal and prosecution of some people over this issue and I have equally strengthened the Integrity Unit within the commission to go all out to ensure that no staff falls short of this standard,” she added.
Waziri assured the gathering that she would do everything within her power to build EFCC as an enduring institution. “Staff welfare is topmost on our agenda and we will do everything to ensure that all our officials are well equipped, trained and remunerated such that there won’t be any room for anyone to compromise you,” she said.