Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi has urged the leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prioritise high-impact cases, so that it can restore public trust.

He added that the commission would  strengthen institutions, ensure leadership that saves enough funds for healthcare, education, and infrastructure, pulling people out of poverty if it focuses on tackling high level corruption.

Noting that it is time for accountability and transparency to prevail, Obi, on his X handle, however said the EFCC chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede’s recent alarm on the massive looting of treasury and assets by public officials in Nigeria deserves commendation.

He added, “I have consistently advocated for prioritizing the tackling of grand corruption, which has ravaged our economy and impoverished our citizens.

“I urge anti-graft agencies to focus on investigating grand theft and corruption in government and public asset management, such as oil theft, budget padding, contract inflation, embezzlement, and misappropriation of public funds. It’s also crucial to hold those who engage in cronyism and nepotism. Lesser agencies can handle minor cases of petty theft and money spraying at parties.

 

“The EFCC chairman’s resolve to confront this scourge head-on is laudable, and I urge him to remain steadfast in his pursuit of verifiable cases. Together, we must ensure that those responsible for this large-scale pillage are held accountable and that our nation’s wealth is protected for the benefit of all Nigerians.

 

“By prioritizing high-impact cases, we can restore public trust, strengthen institutions, and ensure leadership that saves enough funds for healthcare, education, and infrastructure, pulling people out of poverty. It is time for accountability and transparency to prevail,” he stated.