Emmanuel Thomas I November 11, 2016
Lagos, Nigeria – A coalition of civil societies have called on President Muhammadu Buhari and head of anti-corruption agencies to be responsive to public opinion in the fight against corruption to secure confidence of Nigerians.
The coalition, comprising civil societies and the media made the revelation in a communique after a two-day round table in Abuja.
‘’The President and heads of anti-corruption agencies should be sensitive and responsive to public opinion on the administration’s approaches to the anti-corruption war in other to enlist and enjoy public confidence and support and to enhance the legitimacy of the anti-corruption crusade’’, the coalition said.
The communique was signed by Okechukwu Nwanguma- Chairman, Communique drafting Committee/ Network on Police, Reforms in Nigeria- NOPRIN, Walter Duru, Ph.D – Media Initiative against Injustice, Violence and Corruption-MIIVOC, Lanre Suraj Civil Society Network against Corruption- CSNAC, Eze Eluchie, PADDY Foundation, Emeka Ononammadu, Citizens Center for Integrated Development and Social Rights, Okoye Jacinta, Human Rights Writers, Association (HURIWA), Charles Erabor, Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice- ANEEJ, Ozor Ugonna Kingsley Development Measures, Anthony Ehilebo, Breaking Times, Olukayode Senbanjo, Confluence of Rights Nigeria
Patricia Samuels, Proactive Gender Initiatives, Nelson Nnanna Nwafor -Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development, Peter Oris Business Advocacy Group, Celestine Okeke Micro Small Medium Enterprises Advocacy and Support Initiative, Don Morris Ovia, Rural People Network, Nicholas Kalu, The Nation, Bassey Inyang This Day and Kingsley Opurum, Watch Dog News
The group noted that the anti-corruption war should be prosecuted comprehensively without fear or favour adding that only a credible and result oriented fight will guarantee public support and ensure that the commonwealth is made available to promote national development and serve the wellbeing of all Nigerians rather than the narrow and selfish interest of the privileged minority elites.
‘’That the on-going war against corruption needs to be prosecuted with respect for the Constitution and laws of the country, and without fear or favour.
‘’That the government should commit to the speedy passage of anti-corruption bills which will facilitate the fight, with a focus not only to securing convictions but also ensuring the recovery and accountable use of recovered assets for common good as well as the protection of whistle blowers.
‘’That the fight against corruption be made more effective by strengthening the legal framework guiding the process through expeditious passage of all relevant new or pending bills into law; some of these Bills were passed by the 7th National Assembly, but not assented to by the President. Such Bills include POCA, NFIC, WBP and MA Bills.
‘’That civil society must unite, remain focussed and consistent, acquaint themselves with the contents and purpose of the Bills and collectively and constructively engage with both the executive and the legislature in the effort to see to the passage of these Bills; That Civil society should also be creative in cultivating principled relationships with members of the NASS without being partisan or co-opted.
‘’That the role of the media in the fight against corruption is very crucial and Civil society must involve the media at every stage of the advocacy planning for their buy-in and effective dissemination of information and mobilisation of public opinion in favour of the Bills and the anti-corruption crusade in general;
‘’That Nigerians should take deliberate steps to hold anti-corruption agencies, as well as public office holders accountable’’, the group.
