Anti-corruption agencies have been urged to step up their engagement
with Nigerians, especially because there are still those who think when a
politician who is their kinfolk steals, it is permissible.
Vice
President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, made the observation earlier today while
meeting with a delegation of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against
Corruption, PACAC led by its Chairman, Prof. Itse Sagay at the
Presidential Villa.
“How we communicate what is going on regarding corruption is important.
There are still those who think a politician who steals, is some kind of
Robin Hood, instead of being vilified,” Prof Osinbajo noted.
He added that “some people believe that if ‘my
kinsman’ steals it is ok,” stressing that it is important to completely
delegitimise corruption especially through the way it is communicated.
He
praised the work of PACAC. “I commend the excellent work you have done
so far from the beginning,” he told the PACAC delegation, adding that
the Committee has done very well removing skepticism as to whether an
anti-corruption initiative can work well in the country.
“This
has been very good,” the Vice President declared, explaining that the
Committee has given credibility to the anti-corruption war.
While
expressing satisfaction that the anti-corruption war has been going on
very well, especially with the role of PACAC, the Vice President also
noted that it is important that corruption trials once commenced should
be concluded promptly.
In his comments at the meeting, Prof.
Sagay said PACAC has engaged with all anti-corruption agencies in the
country, including the police and the judiciary. “We are cooperating
effectively well with them,” he disclosed.
Sagay who was
accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the Committee, Prof. Bolaji
Owasanoye and members including Hadiza Bala-Usman, Managing Director of
the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, called for an harmonized National
Anti-Corruption Strategy for the Federal Government.
Laolu AkandeSenior Special Assistant on Media & Publicity
In the Office of the Vice President
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