By Akinwale Kasali
Anti-Graft Agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has urged Nigerians to stop sending Congratulatory Messages to the new Boss of the Agency, Abdulrasheed Bawa, on the pages of newspapers.
It implored Nigerians to rather channel their resources to the improvement of lives of the Internally Displaced Persons in the North East and its environs.
The EFCC said it is a misplaced priority.
Bawa was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in February 2021, bringing an untidy end the tenure his Ibrahim Magu.
It has become a popular practice in Nigeria for friends and well-wishers of a newly appointed official to take to the pages of newspapers to convey congratulatory messages, but in a statement issued by Wilson Uwujaren, EFCC spokesperson, Bawa said resources spent on the congratulatory messages can be channeled to worthy causes, such as internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The EFCC noted that the new Chairman only needs support and prayers.
“While the open exhibition of affection and solidarity may be salutary in our cultural milieu, and indeed appreciated, it is however inauspicious at this point in time and gradually turning into a distraction,” the statement reads.
“Mr. Bawa is assuming the leadership of the EFCC at a time of great challenge and he desires to hit the ground running.
“What he needs from well-wishers and indeed all Nigerians, is support and prayers, and more importantly, credible information that will further the work of the Commission.
“He, therefore, appeals to all his admirers and well-wishers who might have the intention of demonstrating their love and support for him through paid newspaper advertisement to desist, and instead channel such resources to more worthy causes, such as making donations to orphanages and Internally Displaced Persons, camps”, the statement reads.
