By Oladisun Amosun
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas has called on stakeholders to partner the Legislature to end corruption in the country.
The Speaker made the call yesterday at a programme organized by the House Committee on Anti-Corruption to mark the 2024 annual International Anti-Corruption Day
The Speaker noted that this year’s theme for International Anti-Corruption Day, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity” calls for combined efforts, not only on the part of Anti-Corruption Agencies, but all Nigerian citizens, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.
“It is vital that our discussions focus on developing more resilient anti-corruption systems- systems that endure beyond the tenure of current actors in the fight against corruption. This year’s theme underscores the need for sustainable anti-corruption efforts that transcend present challenges and limitations, ensuring lasting impact for generations to come.
“One of the core principles of a constitutional democracy like ours is the separation of powers among the different branches of government. This principle grants this honourable House the authority to enact laws that curb corrupt practices and oversee the activities of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure checks and balances.
To effectively combat corruption, these legislative functions must be complemented by strong collaboration with government institutions, civil society organisations, and international partners. Such partnerships are essential for a successful and impactful anti-corruption effort”.
The Speaker urged participants at the meeting, especially Youths Corps Members, to engage actively in discussions and embrace opportunities to learn about more effective strategies for advancing on anti- corruption efforts.
He also encouraged youths to be Ambassadors, amplifying the campaign against corruption in our Country.
In a presentation on the occasion the representative of the Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission ICPC Mrs. Asuk Ogugua revealed that due to the sophistication and level of corrupt practices in the country, the agency has adopted the Globally accepted the three prong S- strategy on the crusade against the menace.
“This involves Sanctions (enforcement), System (Potholes) and Society (Enlightenment), which collectively forms the strategies through which the global challenge is confronted by state and non-state actors”, adding that enforcement, gaps and public education on corruption are strengthened and made more effective in the fight.
“In realization that prevention is better than cure, the ICPC has established functional desks in all MDAs with a view of nipping the social menace in the bud at government level, tighten on its recovery of proceed of crime strategy as an enforcement.
Chairman House Committee on Anti Corruption Rep. Kayode Akinolu urged Nigeria Youths to stand firmly against anti corruption practice, knowing fully well that the future eventually belongs to them, admonishing them not to sit on the wall on the matter but play active roles in Whistle Blowing as strategy to sanitize public, private, social and moral space in the country.
