S’East: EFCC Tasks Media On Publicity

The Economic and Finan
cial Crime Commission (EFCC) has urged the media organisations in the country to publicise its activities in the South-East zone.
The Zonal Head of Public Affairs Department of the commission, Mr Jide Ilupeju, made the call in Enugu when he paid a courtesy call on the Zonal Manager of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Vincent Okwor.
Ilupeju said that with support from the media, the commission would be able to achieve its mandate of preventing economic and financial crime in the country.
“The purpose of our visit is to seek your collaboration and support in the current fight against corruption.
“And in the aggressive fight against corruption now, the new administration has positioned the media to be able to tackle the issue of corruption.
“And we notice that once cases are publicised or reported, it serves as deterrent to anyone, who has criminal intent.
“That is why we cannot do without the media.’’
Ilupeju assured that his office would provide the media with all the necessary support they would need to carry out their duties effectively.
Responding, Okwor said that NAN was widely reputed to be an authoritative source of objective and balanced reportage and for providing social service news to foster the development of the country and Africa in general.
“Generally, you (EFCC) can have confidence in NAN because we are not people, who will give you price for coverage.
“We are a Federal Government agency; what we do is social service.
“So, we do not have a price for coverage, so if you have any activity, which you think would be of public interest, please let us know, so that we can report it as much as we can.
“We are not end users of news; when we write, we depend on our clients to use the reports.
“Stories sourced through NAN are given preference in newspapers; even government officials regard NAN stories as authentic.
“We don’t speculate, we don’t generate controversy; we always confirm our stories with the relevant officers to strike a balance before we publish.”