.… President vows No Political Interference In Anti-Graft War
… Says Recovered Funds Now Funding Students’ Loans, Credit Schemes
Daud Olatunji
President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured over 7,000 convictions and recovered assets worth more than ₦500 billion in the last two years of his administration.
Tinubu made this known on Monday at the opening of a three-day capacity-building workshop for judges and justices organised by the EFCC in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja.
Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the president said the record achievements underline his administration’s determination to strengthen the anti-corruption crusade and uphold judicial independence.
“The EFCC has recorded over seven thousand convictions in the first two years of my administration and recovered assets in excess of five hundred billion naira,” Tinubu declared.
He said the recovered proceeds are being channelled into critical social investment programmes, including the Students’ Loan Fund and Consumer Credit Scheme, which are designed to empower young Nigerians and boost economic inclusion.
“We have ensured that every kobo recovered is reinvested into programmes that directly impact our citizens. Our goal is to make the gains of the anti-corruption war felt in every household,” the president said.
‘No Political Shield for Anyone’
Tinubu reaffirmed that his government would not compromise the independence of anti-graft agencies, stressing that the EFCC and other institutions have operated without political interference.
“There is no person or group who can accuse this administration of shielding political actors because of their affiliation to this government or political party,” he stated.
“We have allowed both the judiciary and the anti-graft agencies to exercise their constitutional and statutory powers without hindrance.”
The president also acknowledged growing public concern over the slow pace of corruption trials, especially those involving politically exposed persons, compared to the swiftness with which cybercrime cases are concluded.
“The conversation around corruption evokes anger over delayed adjudication of high-profile cases while matters involving cybercrime masterminds are determined with dispatch,” he said.
“There is also a certain level of frustration over some court decisions in corruption matters that leave citizens feeling justice is not being served.
… Judges Must Guard Judiciary’s Integrity
Tinubu urged judicial officers to remain steadfast in protecting the sanctity of the judiciary, describing it as “the last sanctuary of our collective conscience.”
“Our moral distinction as a nation is drawn from the judiciary, and we owe it the reverence and autonomy it deserves. The judiciary must continue to stand as the ultimate defender of justice and integrity,” he charged.
The president noted that the fight against economic and financial crimes is not merely a government effort but a national moral duty requiring collaboration from all arms of government and citizens.
… ‘Financial Crimes Getting More Complex’
Tinubu further highlighted the increasing sophistication of financial crimes, warning that judicial officers must continually update their knowledge to match emerging trends in the digital era.
“From simple email scams to complex blockchain frauds, financial crimes are now far more intricate,” he said.
“How does one do justice in a cryptocurrency fraud case without understanding how it works? Continuous learning is now a necessity, not a choice.”
He reminded judges and other public officials that corruption affects everyone equally, regardless of position or status.
“There are no special roads, hospitals or communities for judges. The consequences of corruption are shared by all,” Tinubu said.
“A Nigeria free of corruption is possible if we all commit to doing what is right within our spheres of influence.”
The workshop, themed “Enhancing Justice in the Fight Against Economic and Financial Crimes,” brought together judges, senior EFCC officials, legal scholars, and policy experts to explore ways to accelerate justice delivery in financial crime cases.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
