The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has challenged religious leaders in the country to show more commitment and involvement in the anti-corruption fight through preaching the right messages.

He gave the charge in Abuja when he received a delegation of leaders of The Citizens Church for All Nations at EFCC’s corporate headquarters.

The Chairman who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Commander of the EFCC, CE Michael Nzekwe, stated that “If we do the right things in our littles spaces, Nigeria will be a better place. So, religious leaders, the pastors, the imams, should preach the right messages”.

Speaking further, he stressed that, “We expect a role from your end and the role we expect is that at our level as preachers, let’s preach the truth to the people. Let’s tell them the truth. Let’s tell them of the dangers of corruption”.

He also noted that “People in our churches are living above their means and we know them. We must come to that level where we will be able to speak the truth to the powers-that-be in our congregations. Tell them of the dangers of corruption. We can only get it right in our spaces, from the family to the church and mosques by being able to tell people the truth. Let them hear that they should not steal. Each and everyone of us must be a participant in the Nigerian project. So let our voices be loud, let us not cover what is wrong because at the end of all things, each and every one of us will face judgment. God is taking note of the things that you saw and pretended that you never saw them.”

While cautioning religious leaders against perpetration of fraud under the cover of religion or divine grace, he pointed out that “In EFCC, we acknowledge God in all we do, not just in the Christian faith but also in the Muslim faith. Our Muslim brethren consistently pray for the Commission, our Christian brethren also do the same. It is by the grace of God that we do the things that we do here. We acknowledge that and put it in front”

Pastor Dickson Iroegbu, who spoke on behalf of the delegation stated that the visit was motivated by the need to identify with the Commission and express its appreciation of its anti-corruption efforts.

“We decided to celebrate you for the work you are doing for our nation and also pray with you because we are seeing all the efforts that you put in. We recognize them, but without God we can do nothing. As a church we recognize that to build this nation, synergy with the spiritual arm is important. Nigerians are watching and we believe that even as the presence of the Lord continually abides with you that you will do more for our nation. We value our image as a nation and we know that this Commission is positioned for protecting our image as a nation. We know that it is not easy but God is with you,” he said.

The delegation demonstrated its appreciation of the anti-corruption efforts of the EFCC with a presentation of souvenirs to both the Executive Chairman and Commission. “On the 25th of last month, we celebrated the military and para-military in our church. The EFCC was not present that day, so we decided to come and hand over to you some of the souvenirs that we should have given to you that day. It is to encourage you on the work that you are doing and to also say that we expect you to do more”, he said.