The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the National Orientation Agency have commended the efforts of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in combating corruption, and economic and financial crimes in the country.
The Akwa Ibom State Director of the NOA, Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, gave the commendation during a recent courtesy visit to the state capital, Uyo Zonal Command of the EFCC.
Speaking during the visit, the NOA Director said there was a need for collaboration between the EFCC and the NOA towards improving the country’s image and ensuring that Nigerians are proud to identify with their country as citizens.
He also noted that no crime is small, noting that every degree of crime does damage to the reputation of the country.
He said, “Our priority on this visit is to identify with the EFCC here in Akwa Ibom. We have been on the ground and present in every Local Government Area and we have heard that you are doing a great job, and we are here to identify with you because you’re worth identifying with.
“Since we are concerned about the health of the nation as you are, we must continue to work together and we all must say no to every form of crime because no crime is small or big. We want Nigerians to know how to identify and operate as Nigerians. We chose to first identify with you as we continue this talk.”
Responding, the Uyo Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Bawa Hamidu, thanked the NOA team for the visit which he said was both crucial and timely, especially at a time when public education is necessary in achieving the prevention mandate of the Commission.
“Partnering with you will help in our public sensitisation. You have come at the right time because we need intelligence and you are virtually everywhere, so you must share information with us because Nigeria is for all of us,” Hamidu said.
He called on the NOA to join the EFCC in its sensitisation campaign in schools in the state to arrest the trend of cybercrimes which, according to him, is disturbing.
In the same vein, the Akwa Ibom State Commander of the NDLEA, Commander Obot Bassey assured officers of the EFCC command of the cooperation of the anti-narcotics agency, urging them to continue to be focused in the anti-graft war.
He gave the encouragement recently during a condolence visit to Hamidu over the untimely death of Tekon Ndifon, who until his passing, was the Head of the Legal and Prosecution Department of the Command.
“Ndifon was a friend to all and a professional that will be missed. Mr. Ndifon is greatly missed, and we appreciate you taking the time to visit us. We’re truly encouraged by this gesture,” he said.
