The call by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede to the National Assembly (NASS) to enact a law that makes it mandatory for security agencies to protect whistle-blowers has generated mixed reactions on social media.
Olukayode made the call on Tuesday, August 27 at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference in Lagos which had the theme, ‘Lawyers in the spotlight: Essential anti-money laundering considerations for the legal profession’.
His call follows an earlier one he made on Thursday, July 11, 2024, when he called for more ways for functional and effective ways of strengthening the whistle-blowing policy of the government to solidify the fight against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.
He noted that, though the policy, at its launch in 2016, received massive public acclaim resulting in considerable recoveries made by the EFCC, the momentum is no longer the same necessitating reviews, modifications and refocusing.
To improve the focus, the EFCC boss pointed out perceived weaknesses in the policy which should be addressed. One of these, he said, is the need for adequate protection for whistleblowers to shield them from persecution or punishment.
According to him, “the starting point is to emplace a legal framework for whistleblowing including a whistleblower protection law…. whistleblower protection should be broadened to include protection for insiders in various organs of government who expose wrongdoings from within”
Nigerians on X reacted with pessimism with many concerned about the safety of whistle-blowers in the care of security agencies.
Safety of whistle blowers in Nigeria isn't guaranteed that's why we are having fewer whistleblowers
— Unwana Umoinwang (@sales_unwana) August 28, 2024
People want to live longer
As much as this was a good thing then
— Vere_da_warri_girl🥰🤩😍 (@Pweshiouz13) August 28, 2024
The safety of the whistle blowers wasn't guaranteed
Dear Chairman, we are still waiting for your resignation,
— Ugos_novia (@UbahUgoo) August 28, 2024
That governor has not been arrested
They will never make or pass such law if it's brought up. They all have skeletons in their cupboard.
— Unpopular Opinion (@Andy_Dgr8) August 28, 2024
Nigeria government don’t really know the work of whistle blower they’re always against them
— Iyke Ikechukwu (@IkechukwuM72901) August 28, 2024
They don't like the ones that support whistleblowing against the government.
— odumodugbulagu (@odumodugbulagu) August 28, 2024
