The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it will break what it described as “corruption siege” in Nigeria by ensuring that all its personnel maintains integrity in the discharge of their duties.

The anti-graft agency charged its officers to be anti-graft fighters buoyed by patriotic disposition and accountable conducts, adding stiff punishment awaits any officer who deviates.

The Chairman of the Commission, Ola Olukoyede, gave the charge on Friday during the Passing out Parade of 404 EFCC cadets which was held at Nigeria Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende Hills, Akwanga, Nasarawa State.

Daily Trust reports that the POP, which had Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Sule, and other dignitaries in attendance, comprised 294 detective superintendents cadets and 110 detective inspectors cadets.

Speaking during the event, Olukoyede said the sustenance of the Commission’s culture of exemplary law enforcement, anchored on global best practices is at the heart of its huge investment in the training of its cadets.

The anti-graft agency boss said, “The Commission has shown that it is capable of tackling any economic and financial crime and this is not just self-adulation or aggrandizement.

“It is owing to its development of effective manpower that can weather the storms of investigations and prosecution of cases. We will continue in this trajectory.

“Fresh officers coming into the fold of the EFCC should seek to surpass existing records of progress in their various sections and units. We are eager to break the siege of graft in our land and by our individual and corporate determination, we will surely sail through.”

On his part, governor of Nasarawa State, who doubled as the Reviewing Officer of the Parade, said there is a need for establishing special and separate courts for corruption cases trial to avoid current bottlenecks.

He also congratulated the cadets for demonstrating resilience and determination.

“I congratulate all of you for going through this and demonstrating exactly that you are indeed ready for Nigeria. After witnessing what you have just demonstrated today, we believe that the future of Nigeria is very bright.”

“I also applaud the EFCC for its successes in the anti-corruption fight. I want to use this medium to urge members of the National Assembly to further strengthen the Commission in the pursuit of its mandate with a recommendation of the creation of a special anti-corruption court.

“I also want to thank the members of the National Assembly for the support that they have continued to give you, the EFCC, for what you are achieving. But as we are going through a constitutional review, I want to use the opportunity to ask the National Assembly to consider a special court that will be given these kind of cases to be managed,” he said. (Weekend Trust)