Return loot, join us to fight corruption – Magu

Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Magu, on Wednesday said repentant looters were free to join the fight against corruption.

“We are calling on every Nigerian to join us; you can even return loot, face consequences then join us to fight corruption,” Magu said, according to a statement from the commission.

He spoke at a parley with members of labour unions, civil society organisations, and social media personalities at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.

In the statement, spokesman of the commission, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, said the EFCC boss harped on the need for a united front against corruption.

“We have reached a level where nobody can stop us in the fight against corruption. But we all must realise that we are all stakeholders, and this fight is for the future generation,” he said.

Magu reiterated his belief that corruption is the major factor impeding the country’s development, and the root cause of every evil in the land.

“The EFCC alone cannot fight and defeat corruption; the battle requires the support of everybody to be won. All stakeholders must step up the battle; you are not doing it for yourself.

“You are doing it for the future of the country and the future generation in order to bring back the change that we really crave for,” he said.

“From our households to our kids, places of work and beyond, by also living a life of integrity,” he stressed.

Ayuba Wabba, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) commended the EFCC leadership for its steadfastness in the fight against corruption.

Wabba, however, noted that the efforts could only be successful if the relevant laws were fully implemented.

Dan Nwanyanwu, a lawyer and politician, used the opportunity to commend the EFCC, and stressed the importance of giving the anti-graft agency the necessary support.

On his part, Mr Joe Abah, a former Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, also commended the EFCC for taking the gauntlet in the fight against corruption. (NAN)