From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has sought to partner with Journalists in Kaduna State to curb rising cases of cybercrime in the state.
The Acting Executive Chairman of the Commission Abdulkarim Chukkol asserted this during a one-day training workshop on effective reporting of economic and financial crimes for journalists in Kaduna state held yesterday.
According to him Commission and the media have proven to be valuable stakeholders and partners in the delicate task of improving public accountability across all tiers of government and the private sector.
Abdulkarim Chukkol added that the activities of cybercrimes tend to smear the image of the nation and discourage hard work and legitimate engagements.
Represented by the Acting Zonal Commander of the EFCC in Kaduna, Aisha Abubakar, the EFCC helmsman said the effects of economic and financial crimes on individuals, institutions, and nations cannot be overemphasized.
He said “The rising cases of internet-related crimes in the Kaduna environment are worrisome. Reports from this axis of the country are pointing towards the active involvement of youths in this nefarious crime. Apart from denying victims, their hard-earned money, their activities tend to smear the image of our nation and discourage hard work and legitimate engagements.”
“I charge the media to beam more searchlights on this menace by providing the public with the requisite information to escape the antics of these criminals. Youths also need to be sensitized on the implications of indulging in internet crimes. We are often stressed to the point that unemployment and economic challenges should not be excused for any form of criminality. Besides, the internet offers great prospects of legitimate earnings for those who are resourceful.”
“It bears reiterating that the Commission remains committed to freeing the country of all forms of economic and financial crimes, and this includes intensifying the enforcement activities in Kaduna that have resulted in the arrest and prosecution of hundreds of cybercrime and other financial crimes offenders.”
“For us in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the traditional roles of the media to inform, educate and entertain are dear to us. These roles have become the defining yardstick for measuring the quality of governance, the effectiveness of public policy, and the relevance of institutions to society. Against the background, I can be permitted to refer to the media as the “social bishop” of the society through its crusading, oversight, and agenda-setting works.”
“All over the world, the watchdog role of the media has been helpful for transparent and accountable governance. The analytical lens of the media has helped reduce, if not eliminate, impunity from the public and private sectors. In the particular instance of the EFCC, the media has proven to be a valuable stakeholder and partner in the delicate task of improving public accountability across all tiers of government and the private sector.”
