By Umar Salam.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has introduced a new policy which mandates potential whistleblowers to be under oath before filing petition of corruption.
The new directive according to the anti-graft agency, was introduced to curb the recurring abuse of the whistleblowing policy; following series of petitions filed by supposed whistleblowers which were later found to be false.
The Zonal head of the commission, Kano office, Mr Garba Dugum, made the disclosure in Kano at a training workshop on budget tracking and project monitoring for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in northern Nigeria.
Mr Dugum disclosed that the EFCC found it germane to initiate the new policy, taking into consideration the extent to which false declaration could damage reputation. He further hinted that the commission is conscious of engaging on needless litigation false petitions could ignite.
“Talking about the success of the whistleblower policy in Kano, I am sure you are aware the case of former Group Managing Director (GMD) of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu, emanated from Kano. Though the case is still in Kano. If you convert the monies involved, you are talking of billions of naira.
“That was why EFCC introduced oath-taking by whistleblowers, to ensure that the information given is correct. The commission will not hesitate to prosecute any person who gives false information, simply because you want to settle scores with another person,” Dugum warned.
He reiterated that the commission’s doors were open for intelligence, and praised the efforts of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in northern Nigeria in raising critical cases of corruption and exposing ills in the society.