N500bn assets recovered by EFCC under Tinubu – Shettima

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Monday said theEconomic and Financial Crimes Commission has recovered assets worth over ₦500billion in the past two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Shettima made the disclosure while declaring open the 7thedition of a three-day capacity-building workshop for judges and justices,jointly organised by the EFCC and the National Judicial Institute in Abuja, asreported by Channels TV. According to the Vice President, the administration’s policyof non-interference in the operations of anti-graft agencies has strengthenedthe fight against corruption and enhanced institutional accountability. “As an administration, we have prioritised publicaccountability by strengthening the anti-corruption agencies and giving themthe needed independence to execute their statutory mandates,” Shettima whorepresented President Tinubu at the event, said. “This enabling environment is evident in the impact that hasbeen made in the last two years. The EFCC, for example, has recorded over 7,000convictions and recovered assets in excess of ₦500 billion.” He added that proceeds of recovered assets are beingchannelled into developmental initiatives, including the students’ loan andconsumer credit schemes. “Recovered proceeds of crime by the agency (EFCC) are beingbrought back into the economy to fund critical social investment programs,including the students’ loan and consumer credit schemes. “We are equally working within the boundaries of separationof powers to support the judiciary in improving the working conditions ofjudicial officers. “The remuneration of judges has improved, and we arecommitted to further enhancement of their welfare and facilities,” he said. Reaffirming Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law, Shettimastressed that the administration does not shield political allies frominvestigation or prosecution. “There is no person or group who can accuse thisadministration of protecting political actors. We have allowed both thejudiciary and the anti-corruption agencies to exercise their powers to restoresanity,” he said. The VP urged members of the judiciary to discharge theirduties with patriotism and integrity, warning that corruption spares no segmentof society. “Corruption is no respecter of persons. Judges are notinsulated from its consequences. There are no special roads, hospitals, orcommunities for judges—we all face the same risks from the effects ofcorruption.” He called for collective commitment among all arms ofgovernment to strengthen the fight against graft. “A Nigeria free of corruption is possible if we all committo doing what is right and ensuring that those who deviate from the norm areheld accountable,” Shettima added.

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