ABUJA. – The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), has urged the Federal Government to strengthen the activities of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), to enable it prosecute high-profile corruption cases, involving billions of naira/dollars in looted funds, as well as bringing corrupt officials to book.

A statement on Thursday issued by Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi
National Coordinator of CNG, explained that Nigeria needs a robust anti-graft body now more than ever, given the escalating financial crimes, official corruption and economic sabotage.

He said: “We can not contemplate a Nigeria without EFCC, considering the intense battle against corruption we are currently facing.

“The Commission’s existence is a reminder to corrupt officials that they will be held accountable for their actions.

“We call on all patriotic citizens, particularly the stakeholders to support EFCC’s independence from the Executive interference and advocate for a first-line charge source of funding to enhance its fight against corruption, financial crimes and economic sabotage.

“We equally urge the Commission to discharge its duties with a high sense of patriotism and professionalism, devoid of political, ethnic or religious affiliation.

The Commission’s independence is crucial in ensuring that it remains a formidable force against corruption, without fear or favour.”

The CNG expressed worry over the planned protest against EFCC, while urging well-meaning Nigerians to reject the protest.

“The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), has been watching and observing with a very keen interest how the enemies of Nigerians are campaigning rigorously on social media to recruit young Nigerians into a planned protest against EFCC, masquerading as human rights activists.

“We strongly condemn and reject in totality any move by words or actions, aimed at scrapping the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“We will not stand idly by while notorious “Yahoo boys” and dubious Cryptocurrency merchants are disguising themselves as activists working very hard to undermine a vital anti-corruption agency like the EFCC and disturb national peace and stability.

“The CNG is fully aware that those involved in financial crimes, fraudulent activities and corruption cases, are the masterminds behind the planned protest.

“Their intention is to discredit and dismantle the EFCC, which has been a thorn in their flesh.

“The planned protest is nothing but a testimony that corruption is fighting back, which all well meaning Nigerians should stand and fight with all their might.

“The EFCC has been a beacon of hope in the fight against corruption, at this time when corruption has become the order of the day, and its achievements are glaring.

“We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to join us in rejecting this planned protest and standing with the EFCC in its fight against corruption.

“Let us send a strong message to those who seek to undermine our collective progress that we will not be swayed by their antics,” the CNG said.