The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been charged to rethink its strategy of fighting corruption to avoid losing its relevance.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, Kwara state capital, on Monday, the convener of an organization concerned with the reduction of corruption in the country, Anti-corruption Watch Group (AcWaG), Barrister Henry Olumuyiwa Abraham, advised the new chairman of the anti-graft agency, Barrister Ola Olukoyede to begin a targeted head hunting for individuals who understand the operational philosophy for which the commission was set up.

Abraham said that such individuals could be sourced, whether from inside or outside the EFCC, to help him in the task ahead.

The AcWaG convener also advised the newly appointed EFCC chairman to address alleged internal imbalance within the commission, which he said had hobbled its fight against corruption.

“It is our patriotic view at AcWaG, that the first task before Mr. Olukoyede, the new EFCC Executive Chairman, is to seek out and select an inner crew of advisers who share his values and are mentally and intellectually on the same page with the patriotic drive to ensure that the values and doctrines of the anti-corruption fight are not compromised,” the group stated.

They also advised the executive chairman to remain steadfast and strong to rebuff any attempt by anybody from any quarter to intimidate, threaten or frustrate him.

“Doing the right thing will also include reversing all illegal imbalances regarding placement and promotion.

“We are delighted to quote the Chairman on his unhappiness with the dangerous dichotomy within the staff ranks, which has been negatively affecting both the commission's operational and administrative success, ” AcWaG said.

The group also commended some voices in the media and the media itself, who he said had selflessly drawn attention to the problems bedevilling the commission.

The group, for instance, drew attention to an interview granted by one Barr. Shehu Bashir, who, by way of introducing himself on a recent television show as the author of the blueprint that morphed into the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-corruption, headed by Professor Itse Sagey.

“We want to suggest that the new EFCC chairman consider appointing competent aides with a clear understanding of the commission and the modern techniques of fighting corruption such as the type aptly displayed by Barr. Bashir,” AcWaG said.

“We take particular note of media-related views in a national daily, with a cover choice titled, 'Rot, Imbalance In EFCC Exposed'.

“For those who followed that news story, the newspaper made a painstaking investigation of multiple allegations made against the agency in the viral open letter to President Tinubu on alleged imbalance, promotion racketeering, nepotism and all manners of sleazy activities in the once respected and feared anti-corruption agency,” the group said.

AcWaG also commended President Bola Tinubu for effecting the change at the EFCC.