By Isaac Aregbesola

The Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has expressed the forum’s support to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This is coming as the Supreme Court reserved ruling on the suit against the EFCC by 19 other governors over the constitutionality of its establishment.

The NGF chairman expressed this commitment at the 2024 National Cybercrime Summit held in Abuja.

The summit was organised by the EFCC in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC), and the European Union

It focused on enhancing digital skills as a strategy to combat cybercrime.

The summit is with the theme: “Alternative to Cybercrime: Optimising Cyber Skills for National Development”.

The NGF chairman called for synergy on cyber-security in the country to enhance national development.

“I am impressed with what the EFCC, NDLEA, and NOA are doing in the new media and our basic schools to dissuade young people from engaging in crimes, drug abuse, and to promote patriotism.

”This effort should be elevated so that we can achieve a national consensus on the behaviors that form the foundation of our cultural legacy as Nigerians.

“We also commend the EFCC for organising this summit. I am confident that, after this gathering, we will be better informed and more motivated to improve the public’s perception of cybercrime,” he said.

 In the same vein, Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, in a chat with newsmen, expressed readiness to support the commission in its anti-corruption crusade in Zamfara and the country as a whole.

Lawal said he was not afraid of the EFCC’s investigation, and would give the commission the required assistance.

According to him, people elected to positions of leadership should be accountable and transparent.

”My coming here is also to give my support to the commission, especially at a time like this when Nigeria is facing many negative challenges related to cybercrime.

“So, this is a very good opportunity, and I believe this is the way forward so that we can redeem the image of Nigeria in the commity of Nations,” he said.

The governor said that he was not aware of the suit brought by some of his colleagues against the EFCC.

“I am hearing this for the first time about the suit, and that is the truth. So, I do not know what it contains. I cannot comment on that,” he said.

Also Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe emphasised the importance of collaboration in combating the growing threat of cybercrime.

Yahaya commended the EFCC for organising the national cybercrime summit.

He said that the event was a timely initiative towards addressing the growing challenge of cybercrime.

He emphasised the importance of multi-level cooperation, including leveraging technology and youth involvement, to promote positive alternatives to cyber activities.

“We appreciate the EFCC for bringing this important issue to the forefront.

“My government is ready to partner in this endeavour, because we recognise that combating cybercrime requires partnership,” he said.(NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman