By Ayodele Oni
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, and his Anambra State counterpart Chukwuma Soludo have welcomed the new Zonal Directorate of the Economic, and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) in Awka.
While speaking at the commissioning of the EFCC zonal directorate, Uzodimma commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for what he described as increased recognition and inclusion of the Southeast in national affairs.
The governor said the establishment of the EFCC directorate in Awka was an indication of the growing visibility of the Southeast under the current administration.
“Southeast before this time didn’t come out in capital letters on the map of the country. I’m happy that with the current administration, the region is coming out in capital letters.”
He added that people from the region could now identify more proudly with Nigeria, saying, “When names are called, our people are always there to answer, proud Nigerians.”
Uzodimma also welcomed the decentralisation of the commission’s operations, saying the Awka office would reduce the burden on residents who previously had to travel to Abuja or Lagos for invitations, questioning and other official engagements with the EFCC.
He described the recognition of Awka as an EFCC operational centre for the Southeast as a development that would improve access to the commission and strengthen its presence in the region.
The governor further praised the current leadership of the EFCC, saying the commission’s approach has become more people-oriented compared with how he perceived the agency in its earlier years.
“People are beginning to know that they are not enemies, but friends. We thank the leadership for that ingenuity. We must find time to engage them for clarification, but not in a hostile manner, unless you’re guilty.”
Uzodimma congratulated the EFCC, the people of Anambra and residents of the Southeast on the establishment of the directorate, adding that its presence in Awka could promote greater transparency and accountability in financial transactions.
Earlier, Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, described the fight against corruption and financial crimes as a collective responsibility and welcomed the EFCC’s decision to expand its operations to the grassroots.
Soludo pointed out that the new directorate would bring the commission closer to communities and businesses, while strengthening efforts to combat financial crimes.
President Tinubu was represented at the commissioning by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who called on the Anambra and Imo governments to support and protect the new facility.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said the Awka directorate would expand the commission’s operational capacity, improve access to justice and strengthen collaboration with governments, businesses and citizens in Anambra and Imo.
The newly commissioned Awka directorate serves Anambra and Imo states and is part of the EFCC’s wider expansion aimed at bringing its operations closer to citizens and economic centres across the country.
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