WorldStage– Law enforcement agencies in Enugu State and His Royal Majesty, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, Chairman of South-East Traditional Rulers Council have reaffirmed their unalloyed support to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in its ongoing efforts to combat corruption, economic and financial crimes
The show of support came when the Zonal Director, Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, Commander of the EFCC, CE Daniel Isei paid courtesy visits to Humphrey Ohikhuare, Director, Department of State Services, Enugu; Nkechi-Enobong Enete, Controller of Immigration, Enugu; Favour Bodunde, Customs Area Controller, Enugu/Anambra/Ebonyi Commands; Franklin Agbakoba, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Enugu; Joseph Adekunle Owuputa, Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Enugu; Hilary Umanna, Regional Manager, South-East Airports; Major General Oluremi Fadairo, General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu; His Royal Majesty, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command and Dr. Willie Elijah Etim, Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
During his visit to Ohikhuare, the Zonal Director who said that the essence of the visit was to strengthen the existing relationship between the DSS and the EFCC, noted that effective collaboration was key for the two agencies to achieve their mandates in the state.
“We are here to say that the EFCC is ever- ready to work, partner and synergize with you, as co-workers for the Federal government of Nigeria. We do not assume that we know it all, we do not assume that we have all the information. We believe that we can get better when we have effective collaboration with critical agencies like the DSS. If your work enhances my work, we are both better, if my work enhances your work, we are both better,” he said.
Responding, Ohikhuare noted that the two agencies cannot discharge their duties effectively without intelligence sharing.
He said that issues of internet fraud and kidnapping have assumed a disturbing dimension, adding that the DSS will avail the Commission with every necessary support it needs to achieve its mandate in the state.
“You know our agency and yours feed on intelligence. We can get intelligence anywhere. We will support you. Some of these boys bring in money and from it, they buy weapons and other things. They also tend to launder the money and use the same to finance terrorism activities. So we get some of this information and be rest assured that we will always share with you and together, we will achieve more success,” he said.
At the Nigeria Immigration Service, Enugu, Isei noted that the primary aim of the visit was to deepen the synergy between the two agencies, adding that as a member of the Commission’s Board, the NIS is very vital to the EFCC.
“As an institutional member of the EFCC Board, we know what the Immigration Service represents in terms of the security architecture that we have in the country today.
“Issues of foreigners coming in to do all sorts of things; either by way of internet fraud, terrorism or financing of terrorism, I’m sure you are aware that the EFCC had a major operation in Lagos where over 700 people were arrested and amongst them were close to 200 foreigners.
“That clearly exemplifies the very critical handshake that should exist between us. In EFCC, taking a study of the cases that we have done over the years and the dimension of those cases, we now have a very dedicated Section called Visa and Migration Fraud Section which clearly brings to light that there will be need for exchanges between us and it becomes very clear that this collaboration between us has to continue to make this better for our dear country,” he said.
In her response, Enete assured the Zonal Director of the Service’s unwavering support to the Commission in the state. “We are ready to work with you. I and my officers here in Enugu are ready to share intelligence and whatever we can share to keep criminality to the lowest level. Anywhere you need us, be rest assured that you will have our support”, she said.
At the Nigeria Customs Service, Isei sought for a continuous open door policy that the Service had always given to the Commission.
He said that the two agencies have always enjoyed a robust relationship as they have both collaborated in making huge recoveries for the Federal Government.
“Customs has done exceedingly well in collaborating with us. Most of our cash seizures at the airports are done by the Customs and handed over to us for further investigation. It also played a vital role in dealing with issues of getting Nigeria out of the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force. At our level, we need to work together and possibly do joint operations depending on the nature of the case.
“Our primary interest is to have a prosperous country and we cannot achieve that without you, our very critical stakeholder in this fight against corruption”, he said.
In her response, Bodunde reiterated the agency’s readiness to support the EFCC in the state.
According to her, “our doors are open. Anytime you need us, just call us and we will give you the necessary support you need”.
At the FRSC, NDLEA, Akanu Ibiam International Airport, NSCDC, 82 Division, Nigerian Army and the NPF, the Zonal Director also sought for more support.
According to him, as critical stakeholders in the fight against corruption, the need for intelligence sharing and improved collaboration cannot be over -emphasized. Agbakoba, Owuputa, Umanna, Fadairo and Giwa assured Isei of their support.
However, at People’s Palace, Edem-Ani in Nsukka Local Government of Enugu State, the Zonal Director, while addressing His Royal Majesty, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, the traditional ruler of Edem-Ani ancient kingdom in Nsukka who also doubles as the Chairman of South-East Traditional Rulers Council, said that the Directorate can achieve more success in the State and beyond with the support and blessings of Igwe Asadu.
He lamented the trajectory of the youths’ involvement in cybercrime, adding that as the custodian of his people’s culture, Igwe Asadu has the necessary reach in the community to spread the anti-corruption message.
“We are indeed very worried with the trajectory of our youths taking to internet fraud. Parents are pained that the students they sent to school are bringing shame and pain to them on account of their involvement in internet fraud. I know that your voice will get across to the entire community.
“We want your royal Majesty to help us through your cabinet chiefs to also reach out to the churches, communities and pass the message to our youths. Prevention is better than cure. If we can put them on the right path and channel their skill towards the right direction, we will have a better future,” he said.
In his response, Igwe Asadu pledged his support to the Commission, adding that his doors are ever open for any form of assistance needed for the Directorate to succeed.
