A public affairs analyst, Dr. Ephriam Attah, has called for a more evidence-driven approach to Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign, urging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure that investigations and prosecutions are built on verifiable facts capable of securing convictions in court rather than being shaped by public sentiment or media attention.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Attah said the credibility of the country’s anti-corruption efforts depends not on the volume of allegations but on the strength of evidence presented before the courts.

He maintained that while public accountability remains essential, allegations should never be mistaken for proof of wrongdoing.

“The fight against corruption is necessary, but it must always be anchored on facts, due process and the rule of law. Media narratives cannot replace evidence before a competent court,” he said.

Attah said reports surrounding the outcome of legal proceedings involving former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke in the United Kingdom should prompt Nigerian anti-graft agencies to place greater emphasis on painstaking investigations capable of surviving judicial scrutiny.

He warned that corruption allegations often leave lasting reputational scars on individuals even before the courts determine their culpability, arguing that justice must protect both public interest and the rights of the accused.

Beyond the anti-corruption debate, Attah urged the Federal Government to tap into the expertise of retired public finance professionals as it pursues wide-ranging economic reforms.

He argued that experienced technocrats who spent decades managing complex government financial systems possess institutional knowledge that should not be discarded after retirement.

Citing former Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Group Executive Director (Finance and Accounts), Bernard Otti, Attah said seasoned public finance experts could help improve policy implementation, strengthen financial governance and provide continuity during periods of institutional reform.

According to him, Otti’s experience in budgeting, revenue management, audit compliance and internal financial controls represents the kind of technical capacity needed to support ongoing fiscal reforms.

“People like Bernard Otti understand how government financial systems work from the inside. Their knowledge can help reduce implementation gaps that often undermine well-designed policies and reforms,” he said.

Attah observed that many countries undertaking difficult economic reforms retain experienced technocrats on advisory councils and governance panels to preserve institutional memory while mentoring younger professionals.

He said Nigeria should adopt a similar model to prevent the loss of valuable expertise caused by frequent leadership changes and administrative restructuring across public institutions.

According to him, sustainable economic reforms require more than sound policies—they also depend on institutions equipped with the experience, technical capacity and continuity needed to implement them effectively.