Arewa Youth Assembly commemorates with EFCC Chairman, speaks on achievements in one year

The Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) commemorates with the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa over his one year in office.

Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna on Sunday, Speaker of the Arewa Youth Assembly, Mohammed Salihu Danlami revealed obstacles which were mounted in a bid to appoint the Chairman by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said the Assembly was in the forefront of mounting pressure for appointment of Bawa as the anti-graft agency Chairman, given his wealth of experience and his youthful age, stating that a year after his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari and his confirmation by the Nigeria Senate, they were proud of achievements of the young man.

He said: “It seems the fight gained ground and the lord answered our prayer as we saw the nomination of Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, a 40-year-old, as the chairman of EFCC. The Arewa youths continued with their campaign by calling on the Senate president to immediately swing into action and see to the speedy confirmation of Mr Bawa.

“The confirmation came and the 40-year-old was in the history books as not only the youngest, but the first career operative of the Commission.

“This gladdens the heart of the Arewa youths, raised their hope and indeed in that we saw a symbol of fulfilment by the President, a future and permanent space for involvement of youths in governance which made us salute and appreciate the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari led administration in taking the bold steps and trusting the future of such sensitive and meaningful commission in the hands of the youths.

“The Arewa Youth Assembly stood by the chairman, encouraging and motivating him to deliver as a youth, fight aggressively corruption and corrupt individuals by all means legally possible so as to redeem the image of Nigeria before the world and also not betray the confidence and opportunity confided in him by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Even when threats of life and other challenges were facing Mr Bawa, the youths supported him, rallied around the country, showed their anger and disbelief and called for the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of such act.

“In the shortest period of Mr Bawa’s watch as the chairman of the EFCC, alot has changed, looters are forced to surrender as they have no place to run to.

“The anti-corruption fight has taken a new dimension which is already bringing back the sincerity and honesty of this giant of Africa before the world, with his energy as a youth and his vast experience, Mr Bawa has continued to ensured rapid, yet careful investigations, prosecution of defaulters in economic and financial crimes offences.”

He added: “Since coming on board, Mr Bawa has continued to set standards and achieve uncommon feats through innovative strategies in tackling economic and financial crimes.

“He has prioritized prevention through deliberate strategic actions designed to identify and address vulnerabilities within the relevant sectors of the economy.

“Bawa has also led the development of strategic advisories for informed policy decisions by the Government including the implementation of Advance Cargo Declaration/Cargo Tracking Note for Crude Oil Exports to curb crude oil theft.

“These advisories have started to change the narrative in doing Government business while enhancing transparency and accountability in public expenditure. Enforcement action is guided by actionable intelligence and aimed at achieving and sustaining measurable outcomes against crimes.”