The Rivers State command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called for deeper working relationship with journalists aimed at effective service delivery in the state.
Speaking when he received the state executive body of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council at his office in Port Harcourt, Thursday, the Port Harcourt Zonal Commander of EFCC, Nwanneka Nwokike said the mandate of the anti-graft agency could be better achieved through effective synergy with the media.
The State Executive Council (SEC) of the NUJ was on courtesy visit to Nwokike, who assumed duty in Port Harcourt last February, taking over from former Head of Operations, Abdulrasheed Bawa.
The Zonal Commander, who expressed appreciation over the visit, said the agency would be willing to collaborate with the NUJ regarding any programme that would advance the objectives of the EFCC in the state.
Noting that he was aware of the cordial working relationship the media had with his predecessor, the Nwaokike urged them to extend the same hands of fellowship to him.
He stressed the need for the media to see the sensitization of citizens against corrupt practices as pivotal, as according to him, EFCC is not all about arrests and conviction of culprits.
“See the EFCC as your friends. We are available for you anytime and always feel free to call us. We don’t embarrass people”, he said, urging members of the public to report any form of harassment to the agency.
Earlier, the state Chairman of NUJ, Stanley Job Stanley had congratulated the Zonal Commander on his new assignment in the state, while assuring him of the readiness of journalists to partner with the agency.
Job who spoke through the state Vice Chairman of NUJ, Okechukwu Maru, especially thanked Nwokike for accepting to grace the forthcoming Happy Hour event with his presence.
He said the NUJ would appreciate the collaboration from the EFCC for workshops and seminars to upgrade the knowledge of journalists in reportage of the anti corruption campaign.
The NUJ Chairman reiterated that the union does not condone quacks of imposters in their midst, and urged the EFCC zonal head to report any such infiltrators when they come to the agency.
