Like Yar’adua, EFCC stands for integrity and transparency – Olukoyede

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ola Olukoyede, has encouraged the political class and leaders to emulate the leadership character of the former President of Nigeria, Umaru Musa Yar’adua.

According to the EFCC boss, the late president displayed qualities of integrity and transparency that are notable tools in the making of a good leader.

He made the comment in Abuja at the maiden President Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Leadership Conference and Awards on Monday, May 6.

Speaking on “Moral and Ethical Leadership; Antidote to National Development,” Olukoyede, who spoke through the Director of Public Affairs of the Commission, CE Wilson Uwujaren, noted that though there were rules and laws across the country to enthrone integrity, he opined that poor enforcement of the laws was responsible for low integrity quotients among many Nigerians.

According to him, “The EFCC as a Commission identifies with the legacy Yar’adua left behind because that is what the Commission stands for, which is integrity and transparency.

“If you look at the theme of this event, it revolves around moral and ethical leadership, and that is what he stood for both as Katsina Governor and as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

President Yar’adua became president in 2007 but died in 2010 as a result of ill-health.

Speaking at the same event, Gen. Yakubu Gowon hailed the late president for his spirit of patriotism, as he is still being remembered for his love for Nigeria.

He said, “I knew him from as far back as when he was governor. I visited the state at a time when the guinea worm was affecting the people of Katsina state.

“He was concerned about the rural areas, the welfare of the people. I saw how passionate he was about the people. He was a man of honesty and has to be remembered for that.”