The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Akwa Ibom Zone said that it has arrested over 200 persons and secured 70 convictions for various corrupt practices in 2019.
The Uyo Zonal Head of EFCC, Mr Dugum Garba, disclosed this while newsmen after street sensitisation campaign against corruption in Uyo on Friday.
The street walk was organised by Economic and Financial Crime Commission in collaboration with National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Garba said that corruption was not an easy task to be engaged by only the EFCC or any anti-graft agency to handle.
He urged the citizens especially youth to cooperate with the agency by giving information necessary to track down corrupt persons.
He urged the youths never to indulge in corrupt practices or aid those trying to engage in such practices.
Garba added that it was a social destruction that could hinder the development of the future generations.
“We had about 70 convictions in Akwa Ibom State last year we have recovered a lot of money and we are progressing. We have arrested 200 persons arrested so far.
“This is an enlightenment campaign to sensitise and create awareness to people in the street about corruption.
“Corruption should not be left to anti-corrupt agencies alone it is a difficult task which means that everyone should be incorporated in fighting corruption.
“You youth are the backbone of this country, the future leaders and the pride of every society is to try and bequeath a decent society.
“Look at what is happening in Northeast, what is the source of their money? It comes through some scrupulous elements who steal our money, so, do not allow your future to be stolen away from you,” he said.
While reacting to the issue of cybercrime, Garaba stated that “right now, we are trying to surmount battle against the challenges of cybercrimes. We are making good effort in getting equipment to unravel these incidents.
“This exercise will also help in sensitising people against cybercrime and we are trying our best to spread our tentacles across all the zones in the country to have this people arrested
The Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr Julius Amusan, said that NYSC has been in partnership with EFCC for a long time.
Amusan said that he marched out 500 corps members to join in the sensitisation exercise because of the seriousness government attached to the fight on corruption.
He said, “We have been collaborating to see that corruption is fought to a standstill. That is the reason why we are joining this campaign today.”
