Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Rev. Ndueso Ekwere has blamed the continuous detention of the abducted Dapchi girl, Leah Sharibu by Boko Haram on the brazen corruption in the country.
The clergyman who faulted government’s effort on anti-corruption fight made the remarks at the citizens and stakeholders anti corruption dialogue in Uyo organized by ActionAid/Policy Alert.
“We have discovered that no matter what the government is doing or saying about anti-corruption. In the last 5 years now, I have personally seen nothing particularly or specifically done except to chase shadows.”
Rev. Ekwere admonished Christians to rise to the challenge of near lack of integrity that is driving Nigeria into extinction.
“If Christians should stand for anything it should be Anti corruption. The Bible actually kicks against this kind of vice because it is not building the society. So our people are being killed or incarcerated everywhere especially when they’re not speaking the voice of the government. We are grieved with corruption, it is high level of corruption that has kept Leah Shuaibu where she is today. Corruption is not doing what should be done properly.”
The two Day workshop according to Actionaid Nigeria Country Director, Ene Obi was necessary to mobilize citizens against corruption.
“We are calling for collaboration and mass mobilization against corruption. It is time to wake up from slumber and hold people accountable for their actions and office position.
“We understand the challenge of fighting corruption itself, so we call on the Media as our stakeholders to magnify the voices of anti corruption. We believe in equity before the law, we want people to take personal decision against bribery and stop Nigerians from picking from the dust bins.”
Making a speech also the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC State Commissioner, Sola Shodipo said: “The worst hit victims of corruption are the poor. We have anti-corruption transparency unit with target to be in all MDAs. One major challenge that anti corruption agency has is the issue of political will to take on this corruption fight essentially. With this government it is a bit more frontal. This government leadership has made anti corruption fight his mantra and to some extent has walked the talk better than previous government. Now we are not bogged down by previous issues like definition of if stealing is corruption or not.”
For Policy Alert spokesperson, Utibe Archibong, the impact of the dialogue would be rewarding to Nigeria’s existence and development.
“Policy Alert is an organization with focal point on good governance and economic justice. If we influence one person here today, then we’ll have more good persons influenced others. After now we could measure the impact on attitudinal change of citizens, religious institutions and public officers etc. We check if looting is reduced and public service delivery increased. This event will continue till we have traceable improvement.”
The august event also featured a thrilling keynote address by Bar. Inibehe Effiong, goodwill messages from His Royal Highness Etebom Ukpong Udo-ewa, clan Head of Ubium, Babatunde Oluajo, Anti-corruption Advisor, Dr Aniekan Brown, Dean, Student Affairs University, Civil Society Organizations and representatives of various interest groups who are brainstorming and proffering solutions to achieve tangible evidence in the fight against corruption at homes and in public places to save Nigeria.
