Kogi Conscience Liberation Movement (KCLM), on Monday staged a rally at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters, demanding the recovery of looted funds and prosecution of corrupt officials.
Led by Comrade Jacob Okpanachi, Secretary of KCLM, and Desmond Obaro, the group bore placards with inscriptions such as ‘Kill Corruption before it kills Nigeria’, ‘Corruption is cancer to democracy’, among others.
Addressing the crowd, Okpanachi urged the EFCC to intensify its efforts in combating corruption, particularly in Kogi State, where they alleged that billions of naira had been embezzled by former government officials.
Okpanachi said, “We are here to clarify that the people of Kogi State are in full support of the EFCC’s commendable work. We urge them to continue their efforts to recover our stolen wealth and bring those responsible to justice.
“N80 billion is not a trivial amount, and N800 million (paid in advance to American International Abuja for children of an ex-Kogi governor) could cover the school fees of five to six children or the WASSCE fees for 29,630 students in Kogi State. Our state struggles with counterpart funding for UBEC, and many children are out of school due to lack of funds. Education at the primary and secondary levels has become a burdensome affair.”
Desmond Obaro also emphasized the need for the EFCC to persist in their efforts, saying, “Our presence here today signifies solidarity with the EFCC, as we urge them to recover our common wealth stolen by the former governor and his associates. Despite attempts to discredit the EFCC through sponsored detractors, we are here to bolster their resolve because the world is watching their rightful actions.”
The group also called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to take swift action against compromised judges who have been undermining the fight against corruption.
The rally was peaceful, with the group members chanting slogans and displaying their placards to passing motorists and pedestrians.
The EFCC officials received the group’s letter and promised to look into their demands.
