By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday solicited for the support and corporation of members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for effective discharge of duties in bringing economic and financial crimes under control.
Partnering with the NUJ in the fight against illegal mining, cyber crime and other financially related crimes against the government and people of Nigeria will enable it give accurate information to Nigerians about the Commission's activities and operations.
Kaduna Zonal Acting Director in charge of Kaduna and Niger state, Bawa Usman Kaltungo disclosed this to journalists when he led a delegation of operatives to pay courtesy call on the Niger state Council of the NUJ.
Kaltungo who expressed sadness that youths of nowadays no longer appreciate hardwork and dedication but chose the get-rich-quick syndrome called on Nigerians not to see the fight against crime as that of the EFCC or the government alone.
“Fighting against economic crimes should not be left to the EFCC alone and that is why we are here today to solicit for partnership with journalists so that together we can all join hands to fight the menace and succeed".
Meanwhile, the EFCC has revealed that it arrested 4 Chinese nationals and 21 others in Jos, Plateau state alongside 33 other illegal miners and they will be taken to court to answer charges bothering on their involvement in illegal mining”.
While commending journalists for being strategic partners in the fight against corruption with the power of their Pen which is mightier than the swords, Kaltungo used the occasion to correct erroneous claims that fake EFCC operatives invaded the state to arrest culprits.
He told journalists that the recent operations by EFCC operatives in the state against cyber criminals is to stem their activities, adding that, “The EFCC is seriously dealing with the situation and we will nip it in the bud”.
“They (cyber criminals) now see Niger state as a safe haven and are relocating to the state which provides good habour for them to hide and carry out their nefarious activities unchallenged.
“We have arrested so many internet fraudsters through intelligence gatherings and we want Nigerians to know that the officers who raided the place are not illegal EFCC or on an illegal operations, they are our men”.
Responding, the Chairman of the NUJ, Niger Council, Comrade Abu Nmodu who expressed concerns over the sudden rise in cyber related crimes in the state, said he is willing to woo members to join in the fight through accurate reportage of the Commission's activities in the state.
“The rate at which youths get involved in cybercrime or fraud is worrisome and I assure you that journalists in Niger state is willing to join hands with you in moving against anything that is bad and as security threat”.
While assuring of the Union’s unflinching support, Abu solicited for collaborations in the area of sponsorship of training for his members on best practices in the reportage and dynamism of the Commission’s activities. NNL.
