No sacred cows in anti-corruption fight, says VP Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered assets worth over ₦500 billion during the first two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Shettima made the disclosure on Monday while opening the 7th edition of a three-day capacity-building workshop for judges and justices in Abuja. The event was jointly organised by the EFCC and the National Judicial Institute, as reported by Channels TV.

Highlighting the administration’s approach to anti-corruption efforts, Shettima attributed the significant recoveries to a policy of non-interference in the operations of anti-graft agencies.

“As an administration, we have prioritised public accountability by strengthening anti-corruption agencies and granting them the independence needed to carry out their statutory duties,” Shettima said, representing President Tinubu at the event.

According to the Vice President, the EFCC has achieved over 7,000 convictions and recovered more than ₦500 billion in assets within the two-year period. He noted that these gains reflect the impact of the government’s support for institutional autonomy and accountability.

Shettima also stated that the proceeds from recovered assets are being reinvested into key development initiatives, such as the student loan program and consumer credit schemes.

“These recovered funds are being channelled back into the economy to finance critical social investment programs,” he said.

He further affirmed the administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining a clear separation of powers, especially in the fight against corruption.

“There is no individual or group that can claim this administration shields political allies. We have allowed the judiciary and anti-corruption agencies to operate independently to restore sanity to our system,” Shettima said.

He also spoke about efforts to support the judiciary, noting improvements in the remuneration and working conditions of judicial officers.

Reiterating the dangers of corruption, the Vice President urged members of the judiciary to remain patriotic and uphold integrity in the discharge of their duties.

“Corruption is no respecter of persons. Judges, like all citizens, are affected by its consequences. There are no separate roads, hospitals, or communities for judges,” he said.

Calling for a united front across all arms of government, Shettima concluded by stressing the importance of collective action in the anti-corruption fight.

“A Nigeria free of corruption is possible, if we all commit to doing what is right and ensuring that those who break the law are held accountable,” he added.