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- HEDA unveils documented unresolved corruption allegations, scandals under Buhari admin
By Henry Uche, Lagos
The Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, has reaffirmed that everyone in the country must be involved in the fight against corruption.
EFCC boss who made this known in Lagos at the 20th anniversary of Human & Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), maintained that good governance is now a scare currency in the country following the level of unprecedented excruciating hardship across the entire country today.
EFCC Chairman who spoke on the theme, “Navigating the Nexus of Anti-Corruption and Good Governance in Nigeria: Striking a Balance for Economic, Social, and Environmental Justice” decried the level of sabotage in the fight against corrupt practices which frustrates the effort of the Commission and some times an albatross in the process.
“Many people are bent at milking the treasury dry. And some people who you think are working with you from the sidelines sadly end up becoming complicit. It’s really frustrating. But then I ask, are we really ready to stamp out corruption from our system?”
Olukoyede reiterated his resolve to use anti – corruption drive to stimulate Nigerian economy, equally encouraged Nigerians to speak out in event of sighting any corrupt act, alarming that Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gunpowder. “We run a very bad system, however, I still believe things would get better if we all do the right thing at the right time and place”
He added that poor governance system and structure are indeed fueling corrupt practices but urged the media to be careful and detailed while telling the story.
“So far, we have received over 5000 petitions far upon assumption of office. We have approved the investigation of over 3000 cases In less than four months, In less than four seven months we have secured publications of over 700, recovered over N60bn and $10m, but I can’t do it alone, everyone must contribute his quota in this fight for the good of everyone”
Addressing newsmen, the Chairman of HEDA, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, confirmed that it has been a very long battle against enemies of Nigeria (corrupt persons) since its inception with records of so many triumphs, nonetheless, it was not yet uhuru.
Suraju who called on every Nigerian to contribute a quota from their respective spheres and domains, submitted that HEDA cannot do the fight alone but can influence and facilitate the process for agencies like EFCC, ICPC, Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal to do their jobs more effectively.
“We need effective policing system with integrity, then the court must not continue to discharge persons with corruption cases still hanging on their necks”
The anti – corruption crusader urged president Bola Tinubu to appoint appropriate Head of Code of Conduct Bureau, reorganize its Tribunal and ensure independence of anti- corruption agencies saying “Anti -Corruption agencies should not be looking back when they are doing their job. They should be free from every internal or external influence and do their jobs without fear nor favour” he added.
Commenting on the anniversary, the Executive Secretary of HEDA, Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, said the fight against corrupt practices is still huge, hence the need for more advocacy and enlightenment of the populace.
Arigbabu maintained that Nigeria’s current economic woes were symptoms of corruption, in essence if politically -exposed persons had not diverted funds meant for the provision of public facilities and utilities, citizens wouldn’t be wallowing in abject poverty.
“Rising insecurity, hyperinflation, deplorable roads, decade health facilities, and other unwarranted pains Nigerians are experiencing, are symptoms of corrupt acts by a few person in the country.
“In Nigeria, corruption is entrenched because there is impunity, but for us at HEDA, we want to ensure that there is consequences for any person /s culpable, but then, we all including the media must work with us to stamp out corruption from Nigeria if we see a saner country we all desire” he stressed.
The event saw the presence of ICPC, Code of Conduct Bureau, Kano State Public Complaint & Anti- Corruption Commission, Consul General(Embassy of Netherlands), OXFAM – Nigeria, National Human Rights Commission, some senior advocates of Nigeria like Mr. Femi Falana, Dr. Muiz Banire, among others.
