The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, or EFCC, has deployed operatives to the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory ahead of Saturday’s general elections to combat vote-buying.
In addition to the teams deployed across the country, the anti-graft agency has established incident reporting hotlines in each of the Federation’s 36 states and the FCT.
Wilson Uwujaren, the EFCC’s head of Media and Publicity, announced the move in a statement on Wednesday, saying it was part of efforts to ensure the integrity of the February 25, 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections.
According to Uwujaren, the Commission’s executive chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has charged the operatives with being mindful of the national interest and displaying a high level of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
“You are out on a national assignment and I expect you to conduct yourselves responsibly in line with our core values of professionalism, integrity and courage. You have a responsibility to ensure that this election is devoid of financial malpractices, especially inducement of voters. The attention of the world is focused on Nigeria and we must do what is necessary to ensure that we have credible, free and fair elections”.
The Commission also urged members of the public to use these hotlines to report any cases of vote buying or selling, as well as any other evidence of financial malpractices intended to undermine the electoral outcome.
“Members of the public can also report anyone trying to buy or sell votes by making use of the EFCC financial crimes reporting App, Eagle Eye, which is available for download on the Google Play or Apple store.
“Additionally, the public can reach the Commission through our social media handle, @officialefcc or by email, info@efcc.gov.ng.”