Tinubu Condemns Stereotyping of Nigerians as Cybercriminals
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has criticized what he described as the mislabelling and blanket stereotyping of Nigerians as a country with the highest prevalence of cybercrime and other forms of corrupt practices.
He voiced his concerns during a public engagement on youth, religion, and the fight against corruption, which included the launch of an inter-faith manual and fraud risk assessment project for ministries, departments, and agencies.
The event, organized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), aimed to involve multiple stakeholders in combating economic and financial crimes.
In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, Tinubu lamented the unjust association of internet crimes with the entire Nigerian populace, highlighting the lack of statistical evidence to support such claims.
He emphasized that Nigerians are diligent and authentic citizens who have made significant contributions to various fields globally.
Tinubu, represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, urged against blanket stereotyping, asserting that it fails to acknowledge the majority of Nigerians upholding principles of integrity and diligence.
He acknowledged the evolving nature of cybercrimes into a global phenomenon and underscored the urgency of combating internet crimes and other forms of corruption.
President Tinubu assured the EFCC of the government’s support in its efforts to combat digital offences, emphasizing the importance of trust, integrity, and accountability in law enforcement actions.
He called for open communication channels and alignment between law enforcement actions and principles of justice.
