By Ikhili Monday EBALU, Benin City 

 The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Thursday, said a total of 1500 convictions have been made between 2015-2016.

 The Head, Public Relations , EFCC, South-South zone, Mr. Oluwale Oladele made the assertion while speaking on the topic "Fostering Citizens' Support for the War Against Corruption in  Nigeria: Experience from EFCC" at the event put together by CLEEN Foundation in Benin City.

 He said it is not true that the commission is not living up to its mandate of which it was set up and that it is also selective in its prosecution of the citizens, noting that with the number of those convicted by the commission, it has proven that the body is working and proactive.

 He said the commission could only be more effective in its fight against corruption when Nigerians join hands to fight corruption by volunteering information to the body that can lead to the arrest and investigation of the individual.

 On the part of the Edo State Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association of Nigeria, Barr. Ede Asenoguan, while delivering his keynote address on the topic:  "Evaluating The Current Anti-corruption Efforts of The Federal Government in Nigeria", he said corruption is  fostered when those who looted public funds are meant to pay a fragment of the huge sum of money stolen from the government coffer and thereafter allowed to work on the streets freely without forfeiture and adequate sanctioning.

 "If their is no enforcement of stringent saction against those who looted the public funds, the fight against corruption remains a joke. For instance, I can assure you that over 80% of Nigerians, if given the chance, would prefer to steal N5b and pay the sum of N5m or to go to jail for six months or one year and later come out to enjoy the balance of the N5b. Effort must be made that looters should not enjoy or benefiting from their loots", he said.

 While commending the federal government fight against corruption, he said it must not be centered on only the influential people in the country but should cut across board regardless of whoever that is involved.

 Abayomi Akinbo, project manager, Budgit, said the trust and confidence of Nigerians in the administration of President Mohammadu Buhari could only be restored if money recovered from those who looted public funds are disclosed and what they are spent on are made known to the public.

 On preventing corruption in public administration, citizens engagement for improved transparency and accountability, Mr. Samuel Odebajo, Assistant Superintendent of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and other related offenses, said though corruption is as old as the creation of the world, it must be prevented from happening due to its multiplying effects on the society.

 He said transparency and collective efforts is needed from the citizens to fight corruption rather than leaving the whole job for a particular body.

 Earlier in his opening remarks, project manager, CLEEN Foundation, Mr. Oluwole Ojewale said the fight against corruption should be a concern to all Nigerians and when this is achieved, it would reduce the level of corruption in the country.

 He said the tempo of the fight against corruption should  be sustained by all Nigerians for a better society.

 One of the participants, Mr. Solomon Idiogbe described the interactive session as a welcome development as it has afforded them the opportunity to ask questions and be cleared of their doubts about the fight against corruption adding that such a forum should be sustained.