In EFCC, it is not only a sin but a crime for any officer to take a gift or gratification from anyone over any official matter," Chairman of the Econo-mic and Financial Crimes Com-mission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri has said.

Mrs. Waziri made the state-ment while charging staff of the anti-graft agency at the end of a three day retreat for top management staff of the commission which held in Lagos to maintain discipline in the discharge of their duties.

An EFCC statement issued yesterday said the EFCC had warned the staff that anyone found wanting would not only be shown the way out but would be prosecuted.

"I have given directive for the dismissal and prosecution of some people over this issue and I have equally streng-thened the Integrity Unit within the Commission to go all out to ensure that no staff falls short of this standard," she said.

Waziri assured the gathe-ring that she will do everything within her limit to build EFCC as an enduring institution.

"Staff welfare is topmost on our agenda and we will do everything to ensure that all our officials are well equipped, trained and remunerated such that there won't be any room for anyone to compromise you", she stressed.

Also speaking at the closing session, the Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Akomaye said with the determination of the leadership of the EFCC to surpass past records,"it is the responsibility of every official to go the extra mile and ensure that the renewed war against corruption in the country succeeds."