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B N W: Biafra Nigeria World News |
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Akanbi accuses civil service of insincerity in anti-graft war
THE Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Justice Mustapha Akanbi, yesterday in Abuja accused the Public Service of paying lip service to the present administration's resolve to fight corruption in the nation.
He said they lack the complete commitment, zeal and will to nip the cankerworm to the bud.
"In fact, they are not interested in the fight and they do everything within their power to be a cog in the wheel of the progress of the fight", says Akande.
Justice Mustapha Akanbi was speaking in Abuja in the on-going Retreat for the Federal Permanent Secretaries which closes today in NICON Hotel, Abuja.
Akanbi opined that there is no way government alone can fight the war against corruption saying that it is
a war everybody has a part to play, "including those in public service, religions, non-governmental organisations and in fact, every stakeholder and well meaning Nigerians".
He acknowledged that Nigeria is corrupt as indicated by recent various reports, especially that of the Transparency International, but added that the nation is making every effort to fight the problem. "That is exactly why we are here today to reflect on the extent of the corruption, its new multi-dimensions and how to develop new tactics to fight it".
Justice Akanbi opined that the bane of Nigerian progress and development is the extent of the corruption in it and posited that without a determined and renewed zeal to fight the cankerworm, the nation may not see progress and development because,
"Corruption is antithetical to progress and development". Akanbi who was reacting on the theme of the retreat, "Organisational Integrity and Strategies on Corruption Control", also opined that poverty can never be accepted as an excuse for corruption.
His words: "Poverty is not and cannot be accepted as an excuse for corruption. A recent survey said that the rich are more corrupt than the poor. So, if you know your salary is not enough, you can leave the place and look elsewhere with fatter salary. So far you remain here, you must be contented with what you have.
"I refuse to agree that poverty is the main reason for corruption. When I was on the bench as a Justice, I was not paid as much as the present day Justices are being paid. Of course, you know that then, I have the power of life and death in my hand that can fetch me enough money or make me to be corrupt. But I have to be contented with what I had. People call me, a mere mortal my Lord, what then am I looking for again".
He advised the permanent secretaries to be contented with the little they have to ensure the continuity of their good name, otherwise, they will visit the ICPC.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Budget Matters and Due Process, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, whose office and that of the Bureau of Public Service Reform in collaboration with the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory organised the retreat, had earlier said the essence of the workshop is to collectively tackle the rising rate of corruption in the nation.
She said that corruption is endemic in the public sector, hence, the retreat for the Permanent Secretaries, "to see how we can as from today face the issue squarely".
Ezekwesili regretted that the Public Service which is supposed to be the flag bearer in the fight against corruption is stiking with corruption and, "in fact, champions it".
Ostensibly having in mind the weakness of ICPC in the crusade, Ezekwesili called for emulation of Hong Kong system in the fight against corruption.
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