Group calls for united actions in fight against corruption

Glory Ohagwu, Abuja

A Civil Society Organisation in Nigeria, Vanguard For Credible Representation, has called for united actions and strong will in the fight against corruption and the anti-corruption drive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led administration.

The group’s Executive Director, Akinloye Oyeniyi, who made the call during a press conference in Abuja, the nation’s capital said that the use of strong will is long overdue and pertinent, to ensure that all corruption cases initiated and ongoing are pursued, expedited and prioritized by the current administration with political will, for the progress of Nigeria.

“We call on the President and heads of the other arms of government, and on the State Governments, and ask that strong will be applied on their part to give heed to our voice at this moment, as what we have to say is of national interest and for the good of all Nigerians.

“Tens of trillions of naira has been lost to corruption over the decades and the devastating and stagnating effects on all other sectors in general and on infrastructural development in particular, can better be imagined. Today, Nigeria has $2.3 trillion infrastructural deficit gap, which could have been bridged with the trillions of naira lost to corruption.” Oyeniyi said.

While noting that combating corruption is a shared responsibility, he commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) recent assurances that no one will be spared in the anti-graft war and urged all Nigerians to support the noble cause, by reporting corruption incidents, supporting whistle-blowers and promoting transparency and accountability.

The group decried continued lack of cooperation between Alhaji Usman Ododo, Governor of Kogi State and the EFCC in efforts to arrest Former Governor Yahaya Bello who has been declared wanted over allegations of corruption, terming the situation as demoralising.

“Without unity among people and groups of people, regardless of race, tribe, religion and class, growth will be stunted, and there will surely be no tangible development or advancement.” He added.

While commending the Government on the progress made so far, the group also called for Unity and synergy among Nigeria Security Agencies, charging the EFCC to further go after other public and private officials and individuals found culpable in corruption across the nation in the collective interest of Nigeria.

The Vanguard for Credible Representation, is a national body of harmonised, well-meaning Nigerians from different walks of life and across diversities, at home and abroad committed to combating corruption and promoting a prosperous Nigeria.