The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has unveiled an Inter-Faith Anti-Corruption Preaching/Teaching Manual as part of its efforts to combat corruption in the country.
The Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, who spoke at the book unveiling event, on Tuesday, December 9, at the main auditorium of the National Centre for Women Development, Abuja, reiterated the need to get religious bodies involved in the war against corruption.
He said: “The Commission came to the unassailable conclusion that successfully combating economic and financial crimes, including corruption and money laundering, would take more than enforcement of laws.
“It was obvious that because Nigeria is a deeply religious country, one of those groups that would have the most far- reaching and sustained impact on our people is the faith-based groups.
“Realizing the need to harness critical stakeholders’ inputs into the anti-graft campaign, the EFCC reached out to organised and semi-formal groups, which include students and women’s bodies, town unions and age grade groups, professional and social associations, religious bodies and other special interest associations.”
The manual, which focuses on utilising the Muslim and Christian platforms to engage the public in fighting corruption, is the outcome of a National Inter-faith Forum on Corruption organised by the Commission in August 2007.
Speaking at the unveiling, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, chairman of the committee tasked with the production of the manual, described the book as a major step forward in the war against corruption.
“Corruption is not specific to any religion and so is inter-faith itself. Therefore, the manual is good for preaching, teaching as well as serving as a facilitator’s guide, which can be used by students, scholars, pastors and imams.
“The peculiarity of each faith was not sacrificed in the manuals,” he said.
The Emir of Suleja, Alhaji Awwal Ibrahim, a former governor of Niger State, representing the Sultan of Sokoto, jointly unveiled the manuals with Arch Bishop Prince John Daniel, who represented the president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN.
The manuals contain scriptural references, illustrations and teaching aids all drawn from the Bible and the Qurán.
Mr. Lamorde said: “The Inter-faith Manuals represent just one stage in a long process that also includes the training of those who are expected to put them to use – the faith leaders, women and youths.”
The book unveiling was part of the events marking this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day.
