EFCC urges religious leaders to confront corruption

EFCC chairman Ola Olukoyede has urged religious leaders to use churches and mosques to challenge corruption before it becomes a criminal case.

He spoke in Abuja at a meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council and the launch of an anti-corruption interfaith manual for religious leaders.

Olukoyede said the EFCC could investigate, prosecute and recover illicit wealth, but faith communities could shape values and discourage people from celebrating unexplained wealth. He said corruption should not be treated as a problem of one religion or ethnic group.

Punch reported that the EFCC chairman said the agency’s case files included pastors and imams accused in financial-crime matters. Channels Television reported the same Abuja event and said Olukoyede also alleged that some pilgrim boards had been involved in corrupt practices.

The EFCC chairman asked Christian and Muslim leaders to use their influence to support honest living and help Nigerians question the sources of suspicious wealth.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Daniel Okoh, also spoke at the event, with both stressing the need for religious leaders to support unity and the fight against corruption.

Sources: Punch, Channels Television