The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged religious leaders to practice integrity without compromise to encourage their followers against corrupt practices.

The EFCC Zonal Commander, ACE II Bawa Hamidu Saidu, made this appeal in a statement by spokesman T. E. Nwosu in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Sunday, March 26 at The Redeemed Evangelical Mission while speaking on the topic, “Developing Integrity and Building Trust”, in a Leadership Month Summit organized by the Mission.

Saidu emphasized that a leader short of integrity can neither earn the trust of his followers nor influence them to do socially-beneficial engagements.

“A leader without integrity, whether in Church, career or business will either have to beg to be trusted or impose his trust on his followers, because he or she lacks integrity and is unable to earn the trust of his followers,” Saidu said.

Saidu also said that people can be influenced by their spiritual leaders be it imams or pastors, hence, they must portray good behaviors at all times.

“The truth is that people are naturally drawn to leaders or persons of integrity because they know that these individuals can be trusted to do what is right, even when the going gets tough and they know that such a leader will not take advantage of their trust.”

While appealing to Nigerians to shun desperation which often leads to criminal acquisition, Saidu urged them to imbibe the culture of contentment which she says cancels desperation.

“Contentment does not mean that you do not desire more, it takes desperation out of the equation, meaning that you are grateful for where you are and all that you have, and you believe that the turns your life will take will be for the best.”

Saidu specifically stressed that integrity demands that people should always stand firm on their good belief.

“Always stand by what you believe and uphold same, always let your words be your bond, have guiding principles and godly values and surround yourself with people of good values and be honest and consistent.”