The Delta State Traditional Rulers Council has tasked the authorities of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to adopt value re- orientation strategies in curbing fraud and other economic crimes plaguing the nation.
The monarchs specifically urged the commission to tackle economic and financial crimes by stamping out the triggers that act as incentives to those involved in such crimes, particularly youths, saying that cybercrimes and ritual killings are fast eroding hard work, dignity in labour, honesty, and other noble virtues.
They bared their minds on the social malaise plaguing the society when they received in audience, the newly-appointed Benin Zonal Director of the EFCC in charge of Delta, Edo and Ondo States, Mr Effa Okim during their monthly meeting in Asaba.
The Chairman of the Council and Orodje of Okpe, Major-General Felix Mujakpuero (Rtd) enjoined the anti-corruption commission to adopt preventive rather than reactive measures to decisively curb the trend.
On his part, the traditional ruler of Jesse Kingdom, Monday Whiskey advised the Commission to engage in aggressive sensitization and enlightenment campaigns/seminars among youths at the senatorial district levels where the dangers inherent in internet crimes and fraudulent tendencies would be brought to the fore.
Other traditional Rulers who spoke at the occasion also emphasized the need for the Commission to redouble its efforts at reducing the high incidence of fraud and cybercrimes in society, adding that the development was becoming worrisome.
Earlier, the Assistant Director of the Benin Zonal office of the EFCC, overseeing Delta, Edo and Ondo States, Mr Effa Okim said the visit was to solicit the support and prayers of the traditional rulers in the task of curbing cybercrime and other economic crimes from the society.
Mr Okim appealed to the monarchs to assist the Commission in the area of sensitizing youths in their domains on the consequences of indulging in crime, particularly internet fraud, Advance Fee fraud otherwise called 419 and other economic crimes which have dented the image of Nigeria in the comity of nations.
He told the monarchs that the Commission was focusing on a preventive rather reactionary approach towards curbing the menace and solicited their support to enable him to succeed.
