Press Release
The Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has unveiled an Inter-Faith Anti-Corruption
Preaching/Teaching Manual as part of its efforts to combat corruption in
the country.
The Chairman of the
EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, who spoke at the book unveiling event, on Tuesday,
December 9, at the main auditorium of the National Centre for Women
Development, Abuja, reiterated the need to get religious bodies involved in the
war against corruption.
He said: “The
Commission came to the unassailable conclusion that successfully combating
economic and financial crimes, including corruption and money laundering, would
take more than enforcement of laws.
“It was obvious that
because Nigeria is a deeply religious country, one of those groups that would
have the most far-reaching and sustained impact on our people is the
faith-based groups.
“Realizing the need
to harness critical stakeholders’ inputs into the anti-graft campaign, the EFCC
reached out to organised and semi-formal groups, which include students and
women’s bodies, town unions and age grade groups, professional and social
associations, religious bodies and other special interest associations.”
The manual, which
focuses on utilising the Muslim and Christian platforms to engage the public in
fighting corruption, is the outcome of a National Inter-faith Forum on
Corruption organised by the Commission in August 2007.
Speaking at the
unveiling, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, chairman of the committee tasked with the
production of the manual, described the book as a major step forward in the war
against corruption.
“Corruption is not
specific to any religion and so is inter-faith itself. Therefore, the manual is
good for preaching, teaching as well as serving as a facilitator’s guide, which
can be used by students, scholars, pastors and imams.
“The peculiarity of
each faith was not sacrificed in the manuals,” he said.
The Emir of Suleja,
Alhaji Awwal Ibrahim, a former governor of Niger State, representing the Sultan
of Sokoto, jointly unveiled the manuals with Arch Bishop Prince John Daniel,
who represented the president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN.
The manuals contain
scriptural references, illustrations and teaching aids all drawn from the Bible
and the Qurán.
Mr. Lamorde said:
“The Inter-faith Manuals represent just one stage in a long process that also
includes the training of those who are expected to put them to use – the faith
leaders, women and youths.”
The book unveiling
was part of the events marking this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day.
Wilson Uwujaren
Head Media &
Publicity
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