By Ramlat Lawal, Kaduna
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kaduna Zonal Directorate, has pledged to work closely with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, to combat crimes in the state. The Acting Zonal Director of EFCC, Bawa Usman Kaltungo, made this commitment during a courtesy visit to the NUJ executive officials on Friday.
Kaltungo expressed gratitude to the NUJ members for their support and cooperation with the Commission over the years and appealed for sustained support to tackle emerging crimes in the state. "We are here to say thank you for all that you have been doing and to encourage you that if there is any report that will portray the Commission in bad image, you can reach out to us so that you can have a balanced report," he said.
The EFCC boss highlighted the growing concerns of visa racketeering, cybercrimes, and illegal mining in Kaduna State, urging journalists to enlighten the public on the dangers of engaging in such crimes. "You are going to look out for a renewed vigor in the fight against corruption, and this issue of cybercrimes that our youths are indulged in is becoming alarming," he said.
Kaltungo warned that the Commission would not hesitate to arrest and prosecute individuals involved in these crimes, including married women who engage in visa racketeering. "We want to use this opportunity to appeal to couples to advise their fellow couple to desist from such acts because it is not our wish to go and arrest married women, but when she gets herself involved, definitely the law does not say that married men or women have immunity," he said.
The NUJ Chairman, Abdulgafar Alabelewe, assured the EFCC Director of the Union's support in educating the society to keep off crimes. "As media practitioners, we don't have an option than to support what EFCC is doing because by our training, we are socially responsible to the society and as well hold public officers accountable to members of the society," he said.
Alabelewe welcomed the EFCC Director and his team, assuring them of the Union's continued cooperation and support. "I want to assure you that NUJ doors are open, and anytime you need our services, we are willing to render our services," he said.
Kaltungo also called on journalists to always feel free to balance their stories from the Commission to avoid damaging its image and reputation. He expressed optimism about the renewed collaboration between the EFCC and NUJ in combating crimes in Kaduna State.
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