Nigerian Government Lacks Political Will To Fight Corruption - Ribadu

Former chairman of the Economis and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Nuhu Ribadu has cited the reasons why corruption still persists in the Nigerian system, saying impunity and lack of will to fight the menace is the major obstacle facing the nation

Mr. Ribadu who was the presidential candidate for the Action Congress, ACN in the 2011 national election also revealed that only a corrupt free president can lead the fight against corruption in Nigeria

He said these on sunday in Lagos at a Pre-Ramadan lecture held by the Muslim Alumni of the University of Lagos with the theme "Corruption and Justice in Nigeria"

He described the situation where major corrupt convicts go largely unpunished or given a mild sentence for theft as worrisome.

He also described recent pardon of some highly placed individuals convicted of corruption by the federal government as rubbishing the war against corruption. "So many corrupt people get away with their acts, largely because of their relationships with heads of institutions that ought to counter or expose their abuse of office

Some convicts are being granted state pardon, thereby rubbishing the whole effort at corruption. These practices have turned corruption into a sort of culturally or ethically accepted trend," he said.

According to Mr. Ribadu, it takes a great deal of goodwill and readiness of the political leadership to launch an effective anti-corruption campaign, as he cited the example of the infamous Malabu oil deal and the report of the presidential task force on oil revenue as being jeopardized by executive silence.

For a new leaf in anti-graft crusade, Mr. Ribadu advocated for electing credible and incorruptible leaders who would set the tune for the crusade, as well as strengthening of anti-corruption agencies for them to be truly independent.


Premium times