President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday promised greater support for the government. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission In increasing our ability to combat digital crime.
This came as he deplored what he called the “mislabeling and sweeping stereotyping” of Nigeria as the country with the highest prevalence of cybercrime and other forms of corruption among its citizens. be.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kassim Shettima, gave assurances at a public forum on youth, religion and the fight against corruption on the launch of the Interfaith Manual and Fraud Risk Assessment Project for MDAs in Yardua. . The heart of Abuja.
The event, organized by the EFCC, brings together multifaceted stakeholders in the fight against economic and financial crime.
Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, in a statement titled, “President Tinubu condemns the labeling and uniform stereotyping of Nigerians over cybercrime,” said Wednesday’s statement. The details were revealed.
The President reasoned that such stereotypes undermine the majority of citizens who stand for integrity and hard work.
He stressed the urgency of combating internet crimes and neutralizing the threat posed by other forms of corruption head-on, and assured anti-corruption agencies of “the government’s support in combating these digital crimes.” he added. The Commission’s lawful efforts to bring fraudsters to book are essential to the collective well-being of our society. ”
“The Government recognizes that the ambitious goal of eradicating internet crime and corruption requires an atmosphere of trust and integrity. We must ensure that the actions of enforcement agencies are consistent with justice and accountability,” he explained.
He regretted that for many years the entire Nigerian population had been linked to internet crimes without any statistical evidence, adding that this development was out of touch with the typical Nigerian way of life.
On the contrary, he said, Nigerians are scrupulous and genuine people who have made enormous contributions in countless fields around the world.
Delivering a speech titled “Youths, Religion and the Fight against Corruption: A Call to Action,” Tinubu said: “For decades, Nigerians have been victims of misrepresentations. Such gross misrepresentations do not reflect the true nature of our diverse and resilient country.
“The link between internet crime and the Nigerian population as a whole lacks statistical evidence and is inconsistent with the sociology of Nigerians’ everyday lives. It is made up of hard-working and honest citizens who contribute greatly to various fields of the country.
“We reject sweeping stereotypes that undermine the majority’s upheld principles of honesty and diligence, but we also believe that we cannot function in an interconnected world where cybercrime has developed into a global phenomenon. We have to face the fact that there is a threat not only to our country but to the whole world.”
He commended the EFCC for “remaining a moral compass and constantly arousing the conscience of the people”, adding that through its work, the commission “ensures that Nigeria is neither complicit nor complacent in confronting the menace of corruption”. “I will continue to tell the world that this is not the case,” he said.
Mr. Tinubu also reminded Nigerian youths that there is a wealth of legal opportunities for businesses both locally and internationally.
This, he claimed, is why his administration moved to establish a Student Loan Commission to address the financial needs of students.
Commenting on the scheme, which the government plans to launch in January, he said: “This scheme aims not only to ease the economic burden, but also to deter crime by providing concrete alternatives.” said.
“Our message to young people is clear: horizons are wide and opportunities abound in different fields. Seize these prospects, embark on a legitimate business and let your talents shine.
“The government encourages you to take advantage of these opportunities, demonstrate your abilities in all areas and contribute to the prosperity of our great country.”
President Tinubu commended the EFCC’s efforts to combat corruption through the Interfaith and Fraud Risk Assessment Project, saying, “This initiative recognizes the potential of religion as a tool for ethical reform and engages diverse faith communities in the fight against corruption.” It emphasizes the importance of getting people involved.” ”
He therefore called on religious leaders to provide guidance in championing the anti-corruption cause.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede opened his welcome address by saying that the launch of the Interfaith Manual and Fraud Risk Assessment Project for MDAs will engage relevant key stakeholders in the reinvigorated anti-corruption fight. He said it would be helpful.
Mr. Olukoede condemned the prevalence of cybercrime and related activities involving youths, and also deplored the involvement of religious groups in illegal activities such as money laundering.
As a result, he urged leaders of various groups to partner with the committee by spreading messages extolling the virtues of integrity, honesty and hard work.
In his goodwill message, the Federation’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, stressed the importance of paying greater attention to preventive measures in the renewed fight against corruption.
President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Daniel Okoh, said in another comment. The Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar III, and the Oni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, have commended President Tinubu and the EFCC management for their administration’s commitment to fight corruption in Nigeria.
Also present on behalf of the Senate President was Senator Emmanuel Udende, Chairman of the Senate Anti-Corruption Committee. Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; Professor Lilian Salami, Chairman of the Vice-Chancellor’s Committee of the University of Nigeria and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin; Mr. John Momoh, Chairman of Channels TV. Babatunde Fashola, former Minister of Labor and Housing; JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, heads of government and parastatal institutions and others.