The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on religious leaders to address the issue of corruption within their congregations, stressing that “people in our churches are living above their means, and we know them.”

Olukoyede noted the importance of speaking the truth to those in power within congregations, urging clerics to address the dangers of corruption openly.

Olukoyede, represented by his chief of staff, Michael Nzekwe, made this appeal during a visit by the leadership of the Citizens Church for All Nations to the EFCC headquarters.

Olukoyede noted that clerics are aware of individuals living beyond their means in various places of worship. He, therefore, charged religious leaders not to “cover what is wrong” and to utilize their platforms to preach against corruption.

He urged them to “preach the truth to the people” and to inform their congregants about the dangers of corruption.

“If we do the right things in our little spaces, Nigeria will be a better place. So, religious leaders, the pastors, the imams, should preach the right messages,” Olukoyede said. “We expect a role from your end and the role we expect is that at our level as preachers, let’s preach the truth to the people. Let’s tell them the truth. Let’s tell them of the dangers of corruption.”

Continuing the EFCC boss added: “We can only get it right in our spaces, from the family to the church and mosques by being able to tell people the truth. Let them hear that they should not steal.

“Each and every one of us must be a participant in the Nigerian project. So let our voices be loud, let us not cover what is wrong because, at the end of all things, each and every one of us will face judgment. God is taking note of the things that you saw and pretended that you never saw them.”