MR Terrence Mcculley has on behalf of the American government; solicited for more powers for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to enable it overcome the current challenge of fighting crime/corruption in the country.
Mcculley, US Ambassador to Nigeria made the call while on a courtesy visit to Mrs Farida Waziri, EFCC chairman. He also assured the anti-graft agency of more support from the US government to facilitate the discharge of its responsibilities.
The American envoy to Nigeria was presented with a souvenir during the courtesy visit to the EFCC’s Headquarters in Abuja
While acknowledging the pivotal role the EFCC has to play in the economic development of Nigeria, the envoy said that appropriate legislation must be put in place to enable the Commission succeeds in the arduous task of fighting corruption both in high and low places.
He said, “I want to use this courtesy visit to clarify some things. We are grateful for the cooperation we have had with the EFCC, particularly in the area of cyber-crimes and in hosting the FBI when it had its training activities here in Nigeria. “EFCC is at critical point.
The issue of public and private corruption is perhaps one of the most pernicious elements in any society and I believe it is one of the most critical areas to a long term economic health and stability of this country
“Pernicious because public corruption damages any economy and it undermines the entrepreneurs and investors to compete. It is pernicious because public corruption undermines the population’s confidence in its leaders and it creates the impression that the leaders are pursuing selfish interests. “Therefore it creates a gap between   government and the people, who feel that their leaders will not necessarily respond to their concerns. And therefore the work of the EFCC to root out corruption at all levels is a very significant one and it must be a neutral institution.
“I am a strong supporter of legislation which allows you to pursue individuals, high and low, who engage in corruption. The environment they provide must give you the tools to effectively do your job. The US has been a supporter of the EFCC since its inception going by the cooperation we have enjoyed over the years. We will do our best to support you.”.
He further stated that all the needed support must be given to the anti-graft agency because of the dangers posed to the Nigerian Society and indeed the global community by the menace of corruption.
“We are prepared as friends of Nigeria and the EFCC to discuss future assistance and support for the EFCC. We will do our best to support the EFCC and its work by providing technical assistance. Nigeria needs such institutions like the EFCC to grow”, he added
While expressing the American government interest in the 2011 elections in Nigeria, the envoy cautioned that state institutions like EFCC should not be used to support ant party or candidate during elections. He urged the Commission to be neutral in the discharge of its responsibilities.
According to him, “Nigeria is facing a critical stage of elections in its history next April. There will be general elections for the national assembly, governors and the presidency next April. The United States is following the process with the rest of the international community. We are strongly in support of a credible and a transparent process from the party primaries to the general elections. I think it is very important that all Nigerians participate in large numbers in this election.
“Equally important is that the institutions of the state maintain neutrality, that such institutions will not be used to support any particular political party or candidate. The EFCC must be neutral and independent as well so that it can effectively play its roles. “
Speaking earlier, the EFCC boss disclosed that the Commission has enjoyed enormous support from the federal government in the discharge of its duties without any hindrance. She said this has within a space of seven years helped the EFCC to make “recoveries of over US$11 billion and secured over 400 convictions.”
The EFCC executive chairman stated that though the US government has supported the EFCC over the years, there is the need to do more to sustain the gains already attained.
The envoy was accompanied on the visit by Diane Kohn, Anti-Crime Officer, US Embassy in Nigeria while the EFCC chairman was joined by top officials of the commission