– Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state has said that for the federaal government’s anti-corruption war to succeed, it must be insulated from religion and politics
– Governor spoke during a one day summit on anti-corruption held in Asaba on Wednesday
– He said this is necessary so that Nigerians will have confidence in the anti-corruption the federal government is waging in the country
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state on Wednesday said the anti-corruption war of the federal government will not yield needed result if it is not insulated from religious and political influences.
Okowa, who was speaking at a one day anti-corruption summit in Asaba observed that “corruption is one of the most recurring discourses in our national life because virtually every Nigerian agrees that it undermines the fabric of every aspect of society.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa
“Over the years, it has constituted a serious threat to good governance, rule of law, peace and security, including development programmes aimed at tackling poverty and economic backwardness.
“The fight against corruption is not an easy task, but it can be won through advocacy such as this one that aims at drastic reduction and where possible, total elimination of the practices in every facet of our national life.
“Today, our anti-corruption agencies, namely, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission, the Code of Conduct Bureau and the Code of Conduct Tribunal, are in the forefront of the fight against corruption.
READ ALSO: Governor Okowa is a liar, I never left N700billion debt – former Delta governor Uduaghan, reveals
“But in the pursuit of our anti-corruption agenda, greater success will be recorded if our actions and practices are blind to all social, religious and political influences; our actions must be civil and be such that engineers public confidence and participation if the battle is to be won.”
Okowa also called for the restructuring of the value system and for Nigerians “to cultivate and imbibe the culture of selflessness in rendering services, especially in public offices. We should learn to service our needs and avoid the path of feeding our greed. It can be done,” as ways of checking corruption.
Ibrahim Magu, EFCC chairman
He stressed: “advocacy in partnership with civil society, public service, the organized private sector, opinion leaders and traditional institutions, is a sure path to success; the press must be seen and carried along as strategic partners in moulding the character of our people in a reformative manner, rather than being used to blackmail or defame persons ahead of decisions by competent courts.”
The Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed who was represented by Mr. Isaac Ezechi commended the Delta State government for organising the summit, stating that the federal government was encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by Nigerians in the fight against corruption.
READ ALSO: Court seals Delta ministry over inability to pay N9million rent
Chairman of ICPC, Barr. Ekpo Nta in a keynote address warned corrupt Nigerians to be ready to face the consequences of their actions, stating, “if you are to be corrupt, be ready to pay the price as the law will take its course.”
He stated that preventive measures are the best ways to stop corruption.
N
