President Bola Tinubu yesterday reflected on his administration’s six months in office, assuring Nigerians of “full manifestation “ of the results reforms next year.
He gave his government kudos for the improvement of security in the Southeast, Southsouth, Northeast and Northwest, saying that Boko Haram and bandits were being routed by security agents.
Restating that he was at the forefront of changing the country for the better, the President urged security agencies to work harder to make “our country work.”
Tinubu spoke while inaugurating the new Enugu Zonal Command Complex of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Enugu.
He was represented by the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu. Ribadu was the pioneer chairman of the anti-graft agency.
The NSA said: “First, I’m bringing the greetings of Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He said I should congratulate you (EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede and your team. Thank you for the good work you are doing.
“He said I should thank the armed forces of Nigeria, the military, the security forces, the police, the Department of State Services(DSS) and the rest for the good work you are doing in our country today.
“Everyone will agree with me that things are changing. In just the first six months of this administration, we are beginning to see what is possible. We want to also encourage you to go in this direction.
“We need our country to work. We need things to improve. We want to do the right things. And he (Mr. President) is in the forefront of doing that. Things are changing in Nigeria. In 2024, wait and see what is going to happen.”
Ribadu, who reassured all security agencies of the President’s determination to prioritise their welfare, called on them to work harmoniously for better results.
He said: “It is important that law enforcement agencies which are critical to our collective safety, security, prosperity and general well-being, are afforded necessary facilities to ensure their welfare and efficiency. This is why we commend the chairman of the EFCC and his team for this initiative.
“I’m confident that this state-of-the-art facility will further motivate the staff to rededicate themselves to the course of fighting economic and financial crimes as well as emerging challenges hindering our development as a nation.
“Issues of welfare, in particular, are important to law enforcement officers who stake their comfort and times, their safety and lives for our well-being.
“I want to assure you that this administration will not compromise when it comes to looking after your welfare.
“All we ask in return is a total commitment to the mandate of your agency. Beyond your regular activities of fighting various forms of fraud, I want to remind you that the EFCC is strategic to the counter-terrorism efforts of this Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
“It is my fervent hope that your commission will take a front row in the determined efforts to check the laundering of proceeds of violent crimes such as kidnapping, banditry and terrorism in our country and restore order and stability, particularly in the economy.
“You have the biggest responsibility to be in the forefront and get things back in order. A lot of things were done wrongly and mismanaged. It is you, EFCC, who should clean up and sanitise, do the right thing and demonstrate that you are one of our best.”Be honest, be just and be fair to all. That is what is needed. That is what you are known for.
“Things were done not necessarily in the best way that was expected. But now, it is your duty and responsibility. Change it.
“Though I’m aware of the modest contributions of the commission in checking illicit financial flows, especially in the designated non-financial sector through the Special Control Unit Agency against money laundering, there is still potential for improvement.”
Harping on the need for synergy among various security agencies, the NSA said: “No agency can do it alone without the support and collaboration of others. I therefore call on other security organisations in this zone to work with the EFCC to ensure it achieves its objectives.
“Under my watch as the NSA, unbridled rivalry among various security agencies will not be tolerated.
“Though we do not talk too much, things are changing. The Southeast is changing. The Southsouth is changing. The same with the Northeast and Northwest. We’re defeating Boko Haram. We’re defeating bandits.
“We’re engaging our brothers(agitators) who are in this part of the country to plead that we are all together and we are one.
“That is happening simply because all of us are together in this. Unlike what happened in the past. I’m emphasising this simply because it makes a massive difference.”
EFCC Chairman Olukayode promised that fraudsters would have no place to operate in all parts of the country.