Soyinka Urges EFCC To Prosecute Detractors Of Fight Against Corruption

Nigeria’s Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, on Saturday in Lagos, called for the prosecution of those he described as detractors in the fight against corruption in the country.

Prof. Soyinka made the call at the opening of his Vision of the Child Art Exhibition, 2017 edition, at Freedom Park, Lagos with the theme: Enhance the Heritage; Advance the Future, in celebrating Lagos at 50.

He said that most times, the anti-corruption agency was sent on the wrong track or wild goose chase, resulting to no prosecution.

“When we talk about corruption, is it not time we legislate against detractors, who deliberately create distraction. Say for instance, the money just found in Lagos.

‘‘One governor claimed that the money belongs to his state government, claiming a proceed from the sale of some turbines and so on.

‘‘It is a criminal act of distraction. He knew very well that he was lying, that the money was not his, but belongs to someone else.

‘‘Obviously, acting in the interest of those accused of corruption that to me is connivance and collaboration with corrupt people.

‘‘I think such people should be criminalised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),” he said.

Soyinka, who commended the art works of the children, expressed the hope that with children exposing the corruption acts of the adults Nigeria would be in for better days.

Speaking , the Acting Chairman of EFCC, Mr Ibrahim Magu, said the commission’s operation was not limited to investigation and prosecution of offenders, but also to enlighten the public on the dangers of corruption.

Magu said the painting exhibition was one way to educate and enlighten people about corruption, stressing that the paintings exposed  some ways in which adults were involved in corrupt practices.

“My views of the Nigerian child, from the across the plains, the hills, the forests and the swamps of Nigeria are those of innocence and boundless creativity.