Whistleblowers must be under oath to file petition, says EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has advanced reasons over its new policy that will compile potential whistleblowers to be under oath before filing petition.

The Commission introduced the process that compels a whistleblower to sign an undertaking, including taking an oath, before filing an allegation of corruption, to check unfolding abuse of the policy.

Zonal head, Kano office, Garba Dugum, made this Known in Kano at a training workshop on budget tracking and project monitoring for civil society organisations (CSOs) in northern Nigeria.

Dugum, who expressed disgust over series of petitions filed by supposed whistleblowers, which were later found to be false declaration, noted that EFCC finds it absolutely important to initiate the new policy to check needless allegations.

Represented by the head, economic governance, Kano office, Sani Mohammed, he reminded them of the extent false declaration could damage reputation, insisting that EFCC was also conscious of engaging on needless litigation false petitions could ignite.

“Talking about the success of the whistleblower policy in Kano, I am sure you are aware the case of former Group Managing Director (GMD) of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu, emanated from Kano. Though the case is still in Kano. If you convert the monies involved, you are talking of billions of naira.

“That was why EFCC introduced oath-taking by whistleblowers, to ensure that the information given is correct. The commission will not hesitate to prosecute any person who gives false information, simply because you want to settle scores with another person,” says Dugum.

He said EFCC’s doors were open for intelligence, and commended the efforts of the CSOs in raising critical cases of corruption and exposing ills in the society.

Professor Mohammad Fagge of Bayero University Kano (BUK) charged the CSOs on independence and self funding in carrying out their activities.

The professor of political science noted that relying on activities of CSOs to government or individuals’ sponsorship would reduce their credibility and objectivity.

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