EFCC Chairman Attends NGIJ Workshop, Cautions Journalists on Media Trial

EFCC Chairman Attends NGIJ Workshop, Cautions Journalists on Media Trial

…Says Bankers Must Declare Their Assets

EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa and Kogi Deputy Governor, Chief David Onoja led other dignitaries who spoke at the 2-day NGIJ Workshop on Investigative Solution Journalism in Lagos over the weekend,  THECONSCIENCE reports.

At the event, Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa cautioned journalists against media trial to avoid jeopardizing the anti-corruption efforts of the agency.

Abdulrasheed Bawa made the call while speaking during a 2-Day Workshop on Investigative and Solutions Journalism in the Digital Age organised as a refresher course by the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) for its members nationwide.

Represented by Deputy Head of Lagos Zonal Office, Emeka Okonjo, the EFCC Chairman however called for revival of investigative practices among journalists with a view to unraveling deep layered corruption cases and strengthen collaborations towards sustaining the ongoing anti-graft campaign of President Muhammadu Buhari led administration.

Bawa therefore expressed the agency’s readiness to partner the NGIJ in areas of sensitisation and reportage of ongoing trials, noting that investigative journalists have a great role to play in the war against corruption in the country.

The EFCC chairman also clarified that the call for declaration of assets by bankers is an age long law which the agency will implement to strengthen anti graft war in the country.

According to the EFCC Chairman, the law is not a new law and EFCC will ensure every banker comply before the deadline, as “This will help monitor insider related funds, property trends and prevent money laundering.”

On Friday, award winning investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo shared his experience with NGIJ members drawn from Lagos, Abuja, Kwara, Ogun and Oyo states. Fisayo Soyombo also revealed that his passion for social change, justice and equity in the society spurred him to embrace investigative journalism despite the hazard.

On Saturday, other facilitators at the event including foremost rights activist and HEDA Chairman, Mr Olanrewaju Suraju, Financial Analyst and Communicator, Dapo Daramola and Barrister Ayo Odukale of Ayo Odukale Chambers who delved into media laws, FOI Act, Whsitleblowing policy and other relevant laws guiding and related to media practice in Nigeria.

Mass Communication scholars, Emmanuel Osideko and Oba Adeoye of Journalism in Nigeria also anchored various sessions with the participants on wide range of areas including the solutions journalism, modern media techniques for multiplatforms, media branding and digital media entrepreneurship.

In his remark, NGIJ President, Ayoyemi Mojoyinola said the workshop was designed to further enhance efficiency for members and refresh their skills and competencies towards achieving the guild’s mission of promoting good governance, public accountability and probity in the country through promotion and practice of investigative journalism with excellence.

Kogi State Deputy Governor, Chief Edward Onoja, President TeamNigeria4Change, Bestman Nze-Jumbo, UBA Head of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Nasir Tunde Ramon, Polaris Bank Corporate Affairs Head, Rasheed Bolarinwa and other dignitaries also highlighted the roles of media in engendering good governance and gave goodwill messages during the maiden Workshop of NGIJ.