- Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu warned that corruption could be a fatal threat to Nigeria and stressed the urgent need for collective efforts to combat it
- The seminar on corruption coincided with Global Anti-Corruption Day, with speakers emphasizing the impact of corruption on various sectors
Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, the Commandant of the National Defence College, issued a stark warning that corruption could be a fatal threat to Nigeria if not effectively addressed. Speaking at a seminar titled ‘The Cycle of Corruption: Ripple Effects and Remedies’ in Abuja, Olotu emphasized the urgent need for collective efforts to combat corruption.
Describing corruption as a complex global challenge hindering progress in various spheres of life, Olotu noted its detrimental impact on economies and governance, leading to significant losses in lives and property. The seminar, organized by the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies of the NDC, coincided with the Global Anti-Corruption Day, carrying the theme ‘Uniting the World Against Corruption.’
Acknowledging the Federal Government’s efforts in combating corruption, Olotu stressed the importance of collaboration among people and institutions. He stated, “This has once again brought to the fore the fact that if we do not kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria.”
The Secretary of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Muhammad Hammajoda, emphasized the necessity for cooperation among anti-graft agencies to achieve better results. He attributed the heightened corruption in the country to poor attitudes and mindsets, advocating for honesty, transparency, and accountability to curb the menace.
The Acting Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Mr. Murtala Kankia, echoed the call for collaborative efforts in the fight against corruption. Kankia attributed the decay in the nation’s educational and health sectors, as well as the lack of development, to corruption, emphasizing the need for attitudinal change to win the war.
Mr. Clifford Oparaodu, the Secretary of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), highlighted corruption as a global obstacle to development. He connected wars, terrorism, and socio-economic dislocations to corruption and emphasized the ICPC’s commitment to tackling the menace with seriousness.
Modibbo Tukur, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), expressed the unit’s dedication to supporting stakeholders in the fight against corruption, money laundering, and terrorism financing. Tukur outlined measures introduced by the NFIU to curb corruption, including international cooperation with over 165 countries.
The Lead Discussant and Group Board Chairman of YIAGA Africa, Hessein Abdul, emphasized examining the major drivers, challenges, and progress in the fight against corruption. Abdul highlighted the persistence of corruption despite the establishment of various institutions, emphasizing the need to address governance character issues in Nigeria.
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