Consistent with its efforts to deliver campaign promises centred around one of the three cardinal sectors, the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture (FMIC) in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) held 17th Special Town Hall Meeting with focus on Fight Against Corruption.
The fight against corruption along with revamping economy and to rid the country of insecurity are top priority of President Buhari administration since assuming office in 2015
The initiative is conceived to give account of stewardship in different sectors of our national life where public officers in a particular sector will provide achievements recorded so far. The forum also allows for interaction that will help government review policies.
In his opening remarks, the Hon. Minister of Information and Culture, Alh. Lai Mohammed said present government is reputed for its zero tolerance to corruption, adding that new identity for our dear country is replacing hitherto corrupt tag.
“As govt, we believe that fighting battle against insurgency and efforts to revamp economy will be a mirage without fighting the root cause which is evident in corruption, ” said Lai Mohammed.
Representative of the Hon. Minister of Justice, Abiodun Ayodeji (SA to the President on Financial Crimes) revealed several court injunctions both final and interim forfeitures as a result of sustained fight against corruption.
“Nigerians must see fight against corruption as existential battle involving everyone with no exception. All of us have different levels of influence to provide support against this menace which had succeeded in stifling Nigeria in the past,” said Ayodeji.
Prof. Saddiq Raba representing the Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) thanked the organizers of the event while assuring Nigerians that the Committee will make life miserable for corrupt persons. He called for supports of lawyers in this regard.
Ag Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu said the Committee has secured over 900 financial crimes convictions in the past 4 years which is an indication that financial criminals have their days numbered.
According to Magu: “We work with all security agencies to ensure synergy is leveraged upon to ease our job. Lots of cooperation in this regard help us make arrests and subsequent procecutions. Fighting corruption is a huge task which requires supports of Nigerians,” Magu
Chairman Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye blamed corruption for decays in both public and private sectors. He urged CEOs in govt establishments to strengthen internal mechanism through proper auditing to fight corruption that is inherent in our system. He also encouraged members of the Anti Corruption Units in all MDAs to be up and doing.
Other dignitaries at the event were DG NOA, Garba Abari, SSA to the President on Media, Garba Shehu, DG National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Ishaq Modibbo Kawu, DG National Council for Arts & Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe among others.
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