Segun Ayinde, Abeokuta
The Vice-Chancellor of the African School of Economics, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, has called on Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies—the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)—to remain apolitical and impartial in their fight against corruption.
Speaking at the 19th Founder’s Day Celebration of Crescent University, Abeokuta, over the weekend, Adedimeji stressed the urgent need for the two agencies to operate independently and pursue corrupt individuals regardless of their political affiliations or social status.
Themed “Deconstructing the Challenges of Nigeria’s Economic Reforms: Options and Opportunities”, the event provided a platform to address the deep-seated corruption issues affecting the country’s socio-economic growth.
Adedimeji urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the EFCC and ICPC are not used as political tools to shield members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or intimidate opposition figures into defecting for political gain. He insisted that any individual found guilty of corruption—whether in public office or elsewhere—should face the full weight of the law, irrespective of their connections in government.
“The EFCC and ICPC should be apolitical and operate without fear or favor. If people know that these institutions will do their job regardless of political affiliations, they will sit up,” he stated.
“When law enforcement agencies are truly empowered, people will realize that being arrested means facing justice, not just paying bribes to get off the hook,” he added.
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In his remarks, Prince Ma’ruf Ajibola, Chairman of Crescent University’s Board of Trustees, lamented the deep-rooted nature of corruption in Nigeria, particularly among those in power.
“Corruption has become a way of life in Nigeria. We see it as nothing, yet it continues to set the country back in the comity of nations,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Crescent University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, commended the vision of the university’s founder, Prince Bola Ajibola, who established the institution in 2005 to enhance human capacity development in Nigeria.
The university also honored distinguished personalities for their contributions to humanitarian services, including the Late Towulade of Akinale, Owu Kingdom, Oba Olufemi Ogunleye, the Odofin of Egbaland, Chief Kolawole Akintoye, and a renowned movie producer, Mr. Adesegun Akinlotan.
