Enugu – The National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has commended the Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for his remarkable achievements in fighting insecurity and growing the State’s economy since his assumption of office.
Ribadu, the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission gave the commendations on Tuesday while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour during the commission of the new Zonal headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Enugu.
“Firstly, I bring you greetings of President Tinubu. He says that I should thank the Armed Forces and all the security services for the good work you are doing. Things are changing. We need our country to work.
“EFCC is central to the counter terrorism mandate of this Government. It is you EFCC that will be in the fore front , to clean, sanitize and do the right thing; that is what you are known for. Though am aware of your efforts in checking inflow of illicit funds through SCUML, more can be done. No agency can do it alone . There is therefore need for collaboration. If you continue in that line, success will be achieved.Things are changing, we are defeating the bandits. We are together in this.
“Your Excellency(Governor Mbah), you are one of the very, very few that has shown that, indeed, it is possible. Security is getting back to normalcy in Enugu State and, by extension, the South East. And you are in the forefront of it. We recognise that and thank you for the good work you are doing. The economy is improving. It is clear. You are addressing insecurity.
“We were here in June and we had an interaction with the governor, and he came out strongly and courageously. He said that he would do his best to restore order. Today, based on our own records and statistics – because we get daily reports of activities – there are lots of instances or days or even weeks and more that we have not recorded one single violence or incident of either terrorism or even kidnapping. They are going extremely down in Enugu State and by extension the South East. Things have changed.
“Unfortunately, before the coming of this administration, police stations were being attacked, law enforcement people were being attacked. People were giving selfish orders. Those who are not even in Nigeria will sit somewhere in the comfort of the countries where they live and be giving instructions that people should not go to work; should not go out to look for their own livelihood and people used to take such orders. But no more; it is no longer happening. We thank the leaders who have emerged in the South East and we thank the federal government for engagement.
“Enugu Command was one of the six Zonal commands that I commissioned as EFCC Chairman in 2003. I’m delighted with the transformation of this Zonal HQ and also the EFCC itself. I’m indeed glad to be back here in this lovely city of Enugu.
He equally stressed the importance of giving the security services all necessary support;
“It’s important that our security services are accorded necessary facilities to enhance their job. Issues of welfare are important to security agencies and I assure you that this Administration will look after your welfare.
“Finally, I congratulate the management of EFCC, particularly the Enugu Zonal command. You are known for Justice and fairness. You must be part of the New Nigeria”
In his own speech, Governor Mbah lauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on its success at fighting corruption, reiterating the commitment of his administration to waging a remorseless war on corruption and insecurity, stressing that it was critical to his administration’s effort to grow Enugu’s economy from a $4.4 billion to $30 billion economy and eradicate poverty.
According to him, his administration supported the EFCC towards the rebuilding of a befitting zonal office in Enugu so as to strengthen the war against corruption and insecurity.
“We hereby enjoin the security agencies and EFCC to sustain their good work to ensure that Enugu State and Nigeria as a whole are finally able to consign the memories of insecurity to distant history. The opening of this office reconfirms our commitment as a nation to sustain the war against corruption. This commitment is well founded in view of the many proven negative effects corruption has on economic development.
“With this in mind, considering the objective of this administration to make Enugu one of the top 3 states in Nigeria in terms of GDP and achieve a zero percent rate in the poverty head count, it is clear that corruption has to be brought down to a barest minimum within the State,” he stated.
On his part, the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, charged his men to raise the ante, utilising the facilities and resources at their disposal in the war against corruption so as to redeem the nation’s image.
“With this facility, I want to assure His Excellency and indeed all citizens of Enugu State and the entire South East region that fraudsters have no place in any part of the zone.
Then, addressing the members staff of the EFCC, he said;
“To whom much is given is given, much is also expected. I require every staff to be doubly committed to the mandate of the Commission for the South East to feel the greater impact of the EFCC in our development.
He then sought the Governor’s collaboration in tackling corruption;
“We ask the Governor, here present, that if need be, when we come looking into the records of your Government that you grant us your cooperation.
“Permit me in a special way to recognize the presence of the NSA. Sir, you are here to witness the renovation of this project, you midwifed as the pioneer EFCC Chairman, in 2003. Your presence under scores the nexus between the war against insecurity and the war against corruption.
“We enjoin the security agencies to sustain their good work to ensure that Enugu and Nigeria. Corruption is globally accepted to reduce the adoption of innovative strategies in economics and it equally reduces Direct Investment in the economy.
Highlights of the event included a commemorative tree planting exercise where the NSA, Governor Mbah and the EFCC Chairman all planted trees in front of the new EFCC building, accompanied by other dignitaries.
Thereafter, the NSA, Ribadu, commissioned the newly built complex and then proceeded on a tour of the facilities alongside other dignitaries.
Some of the personalities in attendance were the General Officer Commanding (GOC),82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Hassan Taiwo Dada, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Ground Training Command Enugu, AVM Usman Abdullahi, the Secretary to the EFCC, Mr Muhammad Hammajoda, Spiritual Director, Adoration Ministries, Enugu, Rev Fr Ejike Mbaka, who was recognized by the NSA as a friend of the EFCC.
Others include Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev Dr Emmanuel Ede, Enugu State Commissioner for Information, Hon Aka Eze Aka, Enugu State Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kingsley Udeh and the Director, Enugu State Fire Service, Engr Okwudili Daniel Ohaa, FNSE
