The new Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has pledged to leverage his position to stimulate the economy while adhering to the rule of law and promoting integrity in the legal profession.
Speaking during a public address, Olukoyede emphasized the importance of moral standards in legal practice, stating that integrity goes beyond legal knowledge or advocacy skills. “Integrity is not about law, or your ability to write beautiful briefs. It is about law and morality. Your conscience must tell you to do the right thing,” he said.
Highlighting the role of ethics and values, he called for a review of the standards governing legal practice, underscoring their significance in the fight against corruption. “The job of the EFCC is to ensure that corruption does not find space in our national life,” he added.
Olukoyede, who shared his experience of undergoing investigations, stressed his commitment to accountability. He also welcomed constructive criticism of the EFCC, urging stakeholders to approach such critiques responsibly.
“I have never been averse to criticism. But let us do it in a responsible way. What do we benefit from running down our institutions?” he asked.
The EFCC Chairman reiterated his commitment to fostering transparency and integrity in the agency’s operations while urging legal practitioners to prioritize ethical standards in their professional conduct.