Governors’ forum backs EFCC, urges synergy on cyber-security

The Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Gov Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has expressed the forum’s support to the the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in its anti-corruption crusade.

This is coming as the Supreme Court reserved ruling on the suit against the EFCC by 19 other governors over the constitutionality of its establishment.

The NGF chairman expressed this commitment at the 2024 National Cybercrime Summit held in Abuja.

The summit was organised by the EFCC in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC), and the European Union

It focused on enhancing digital skills as a strategy to combat cybercrime.

The summit is with the theme: “Alternative to Cybercrime: Optimising Cyber Skills for National Development”.

The NGF chairman called for synergy on cyber-security in the country to enhance national development.

”You have our full support in this endeavor,” he said

Abdulrazaq emphasised the need for a shift in the public perception of crimes.

He expressed delight at the efforts of the EFCC, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in educating young Nigerians on issues related to crime, drug abuse, and patriotism.

“I am impressed with what the EFCC, NDLEA, and NOA are doing in the new media and our basic schools to dissuade young people from engaging in crimes, drug abuse, and to promote patriotism.

”This effort should be elevated so that we can achieve a national consensus on the behaviors that form the foundation of our cultural legacy as Nigerians.

“We also commend the EFCC for organising this summi. I am confident that, after this gathering, we will be better informed and more motivated to improve the public’s perception of cybercrime,” he said.

In the same vein, Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, in a chat with newsmen, expressed readiness to support the commission in its anti-corruption crusade in Zamfara and the country as a whole.

Lawal said that he was not afraid of the EFCC’s investigation, and would give the commission the required assistance.

According to him, people elected to positions of leadership should be accountable and transparent.

“I am not scared of the EFCC. Why would I be scared of the EFCC? We are here to serve, and this is the way forward.

”People should be accountable. People should be transparent. That is leadership.

”My coming here is also to give my support to the commission, especially at a time like this when Nigeria is facing many negative challenges related to cybercrime.

“So, this is a very good opportunity, and I believe this is the way forward so that we can redeem the image of Nigeria in the committee of Nations,” he said.

He reiterated his commitment to supporting the anti-graft agency in the fight against cyber-crime

”We are ready to support the EFCC in eradicating cyber-crime,” he said.

The governor said that he was not aware of the suit brought by some of his colleagues against the EFCC.

“I am hearing this for the first time about the suit, and that is the truth. So, I do not know what it contains. I cannot comment on that,” he said.

Also Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe emphasised the importance of collaboration in combating the growing threat of cybercrime.

The Yahaya commended the EFCC for organising the national cybercrime summit.

He said that the event was a timely initiative toward addressing the growing challenge of cybercrime.

He emphasised the importance of multi-level cooperation, including leveraging technology and youth involvement, to promote positive alternatives to cyber activities.

“We appreciate the EFCC for bringing this important issue to the forefront.

“My government is ready to partner in this endeavour, because we recognise that combating cybercrime requires partnership,” he said.