The Federal Government has stated that it will not relent on its efforts to fight corruption in the country as the benefits of doing so will continue to be in the best interest of all Nigerians.
This was disclosed by Minister of Information & Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed during a Special Town Hall Meeting on “Fight Against Corruption”, organized on Thursday, November 7, 2019 in Abuja as a platform for stakeholders in the federal government’s battle against corruption to give account of their stewardship as well as give Nigerians the opportunity to interact with them.
According to him, even though the fight has not been completely won, it is the first time in the history of Nigeria that government is committed to fighting the menace.
In his words “This is not the first time Nigeria is fighting corruption, but it is the first time the fight is being backed by a strong political will, with a President renowned for his honour, dignity and incorruptibility personally leading the fight. One may say the war against corruption has not been won, but it is also fair to say that corruption has now been driven under the table and the corrupt ones can no longer flaunt the proceeds of their corruption as they used to do in the past”.
The Minister maintained that the success so far recorded in the war against corruption in Nigeria is for the survival of the country, stressing that how well the government is able to fight corruption and bring it to a standstill will determine the success of other key programmes of the administration.
Lai Mohammed therefore called on Nigerians to support the war against corruption and not see it as Buhari’s war alone. He said if the nation fails to check corruption and reverse the infrastructure decay; revamping the economy will remain a mirage.
At the event, six (6) Heads of government agency saddled with the responsibility of fighting corruption took turns to brief Nigerians on their roles, achievements and challenges. They are; Ibrahim Magu (Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); Prof. Bolaji Owasonoye (Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC); Prof. Muhammed Isah (Chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau); Attorney General of the Federation/Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN who was represented by Mr. Abiodun Ayodeji (Special Adviser to President on Financial Crimes); Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu who was represented by Ameji Baraja (Deputy Inspector General in charge of supply and logistics); and Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Prof. Itsey Sagay who was represented by Prof. Sadiq Radda (Executive Secretary, PACAC).
The Acting Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Mr. Louis Eriomala was accompanied to the event by Mr. Ibrahim Hussaini (Director, Administration & Human Resources); Mr. Michael Ekoko (Director, Research & Documentation) and Mr. Ibrahim Malgwi (Head of Protocol).
Caleb Nor
Media Asst.-Ag. ES
NICO Hqtrs
Abuja, FCT