Anti-Corruption agencies in the country have been urged
to step up their engagement with the Nigerian public especially because there
are still those who think when a politician who is their kinfolk steals, it is
permissible.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, made the observation
earlier today while meeting with a delegation of the Presidential Advisory
Committee Against Corruption, PACAC led by its Chairman, Prof. Itse Sagay at
the Presidential Villa.
“How we communicate what is going on regarding
corruption is important. There are still those who think a politician who
steals, is some kind of Robin Hood, instead of being vilified,” Prof Osinbajo
noted.
He added that “some people believe that if ‘my kinsman’
steals it is ok,” stressing that it is important to completely delegitimise
corruption especially through the way it is communicated.
He praised the work of PACAC. “I commend the excellent
work you have done so far from the beginning,” he told the PACAC delegation,
adding that the Committee has done very well removing skepticism as to whether
an anti-corruption initiative can work well in the country.
“This has been very good,” the Vice President declared,
explaining that the Committee has given credibility to the anti-corruption war.
While expressing satisfaction that the anti-corruption
war has been going on very well, especially with the role of PACAC, the Vice
President also noted that it is important that corruption trials once commenced
should be concluded promptly.
In his comments at the meeting, Prof. Sagay said PACAC
has engaged with all anti-corruption agencies in the country, including the
police and the judiciary. “We are cooperating effectively well with them,” he
disclosed.
Sagay who was accompanied by the Executive Secretary of
the Committee, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye and members including Hadiza Bala-Usman,
Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, called for an
harmonized National Anti-Corruption Strategy for the Federal Government.
Tags
Society