The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has charged newly graduated cadets of the Commission to uphold integrity, discipline and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

Naijaonpoint reports that Olukoyede gave the charge on Friday during the Passing Out Parade of 404 EFCC cadets at the Nigeria Police Mobile Force Training College, Ende Hills, Akwanga, Nasarawa State.

The new operatives comprise 294 detective superintendents and 110 detective inspectors.

The EFCC boss reminded the cadets that their new roles demanded courage, accountability and a zero-tolerance stance against corruption.

Olukoyede said, “Being an operative of the EFCC carries heavy responsibilities of personal discipline, integrity, courage and accountability. The EFCC has zero tolerance for corruption and compromise. You are coming into an organisation that places a high premium on integrity and rectitude.

“Integrity, for us, is not a slogan, it is a rule of engagement and an article of faith in the work we do. He that comes to equity must come with clean hands. Anti-corruption officers must be above board at all times.”

He also warned against misconduct, saying, “Prepare your minds to be professional and diligent. Sanctions and punitive measures against corrupt practices by officers of the Commission are stiff. I wouldn’t want such for any of you.”

The EFCC boss noted that the Commission had invested heavily in training its personnel to meet global standards.

“The Commission has invested heavily in your training because we believe in turning out officers moulded in intellect, physical agility and accountable conduct. Our officers are trained to square with, and even tower above, their global counterparts,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria’s anti-graft fight requires “concerted efforts, energy, passion and drive of every patriotic Nigerian.”

The Reviewing Officer of the parade, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, congratulated the cadets for their resilience and determination.

“I congratulate all of you for demonstrating exactly that you are indeed ready for Nigeria. After witnessing what you have just demonstrated today, we believe that the future of Nigeria is very bright,” he said.

While commending the EFCC’s performance, Sule urged the National Assembly to strengthen the agency by creating a special anti-corruption court.

“As we are going through a constitutional review, I want to use the opportunity to ask the National Assembly to consider a special court that will be given these kinds of cases to be managed,” the governor added.

The Senate Committee Chairman on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Emmanuel Udende, and his House of Representatives counterpart, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, also sent congratulatory messages and admonitions to the cadets.

Two graduates received special honours for outstanding performance during training: Amagiya Efe Princewill emerged Overall Best Cadet in the Superintendent category, while Sanni Ayoola Blessing was named Overall Best Cadet in the Inspector cadre.