PRESS CONFERENCE BY ALTERNATIVE TO CORRUPTION AND MISGOVERNANCE, HELD AT GOMBE
JEWEL HOTELS, KADUNA ON AUGUST 16TH, 2017
“Corruption is
possibly the worst evil that this country has experience or will experience
because it definately is the major reason why this country is set back
economically .There is no other single reason, the simple reason is corruption
because this country has resources and not just material resources but human
resources in abundance.
The fact that someone
cornered the resources for themselves Is
what account for where we are today economically". Acting President
Professor Yemi Osibajo.
Gentle men of
the Press
INTRODUCTION
It has become
imperative for us to convene this press
conference to challenge the worrisome development inhibiting the fight against
corruption, mis governance, transparency and accountability in governance which
will provide good democratic practice In Nigeria.
We are activist
committed to the Nigeria project; that have been active in the pro-democracy
and human right struggles against military Regimes, to enthrone democracy and good governance in Nigeria. Our
Resolve and quest for Civil rule and good governance is what propels us to support the campaign and
fight against corruption and mis governance in all its ramification.
We are not in doubt that the fight is a herculean task
as corruption Is quite endemic in the country and will surely fight back. These
in essence has further endear us to the
urgent need to re-invent the will to
fight the "fight back syndrome" .it is these individuals and groups
that have looted resources of this
country, that depressed our economy and are now using the ill-gotten
wealth to emasculate the fight against corruption.
Gentle Men of
the press, we are all living witness to the fact that corruption and mis governance have worsen
the fault lines among our citizens which fuels agitation for disintegration and
dismemberment of the country along regional and ethnic lines, interestingly
corruption knows no bound, ethnicity or religion and have so far undermined national projects
capable of transforming the lives of Nigerians there by making us a victim.
Having closely
observed these sad and self inflicted negative development in our country. We
as activist of Northern extraction consider it duty bound to come out forcefully
in support of the fight against corruption and bad governance. It is not in doubt that the ills of corruption and bad
governance is worst felt in this part of the country. As a matter of fact, we
don't need any statistics to show the high level of poverty, despondency and
illiteracy in the North.
Arising from
these sad and shameful state of Northern
Nigeria and Nigeria as a whole, we have
no other option than to fully support the campaign and fight against corruption
and bad governance at all levels as enunciated by the Buhari Administration.
29th May, 2015 and The State of
Corruption in Nigeria
Given the
overwhelming support given to the APC and its presidential candidate President
Muhammadu Buhari a new dimension to the fight against corruption was
introduced. While other regimes turned deaf ears and tight lips over alleged corruption cases and practices, the Muhammadu Buhari administration emphatically
stated its zero tolerance to corruption.
In its resolve
to drive home its point that it is either" we kill corruption or
corruption will kill Nigeria". It immediately set up and inaugurated the presidential advisory committee,
initiated several executives bills to aid the fight against corruption and most
recently the appointment of Ibrahim Magu
as the chairman of EFCC.
since the
appointment of Ibrahim Magu as acting chairman of EFCC, he has been able to
rejuvenate and transformed the EFCC. The
anti-corruption drive took a result-yielding dimension. It is on record that
many are being investigated, charged to court for prosecution, and jailed.
there is also increasing cases of seizure and forfeiture of ill-gotten assets,
recovering of looted funds both within and outside Nigeria, of most importance
is his determination and courage to demystify corruption and corrupt practices
in Nigeria. Of utmost importance is his integrity to fight on and ready to
stake his integrity for the sustenance
of the fight against corruption.
In his
words, " If we don't work today
and fight against corruption, the future is not guaranteed, the future
of our children is not guaranteed. So we must wake up, where ever you find yourself, fight corruption, ANYTIME
YOU DISCOVER THAT I AM CORRUPT EXPOSE
ME" Ibrahim Magu.
"It is in
the light of the above that
·
We
call on all well meaning Nigerians to speak out, campaign and fight against corruption in all its
ramifications of life. As corruption has and can still undermine our capacity
as a people and as a nation.
·
We
call on the National Assembly to expedite action on all anti-corruption related
bills pending before the National Assembly.
·
We
call on the executive arm of government to give all the necessary support to
Ibrahim Magu to fight corruption and corrupt practices to its logical end.
·
The
executive arm must not allow itself to be derail, or succumb to misguided
criticism, cheap blackmail and political hara-kiri by corrupt elements and
institutions.
·
We
call on Ibrahim Magu to remain steadfastly focused, committed and resolute in
his commitment to the fight against corruption and NEVER be in any way be distracted by the issue of confirmation.
·
We
call on the Presidency never to allow itself to be swayed into the erroneous
suggestion of replacing Ibrahim Magu as the chief executive of the EFCC. If the
Presidency allow Itself to be
blackmailed by any individual, groups
or institutions, it will readily compromise the fight against
corruption and bad governance. It will also
undermine the administration thrust of fighting corruption in
Nigeria with attendant negative
consequence.
Finally,
we want to reiterate our disdain for
corrupt and corrupt practices in all spheres of our National life.
We
fully declare our support for a corrupt free Nigeria, and the able leadership
of Ibrahim Magu at EFCC.
"Every
generation must out of its relative obscurity must discover
its mission, fulfill it or betray it" Franz
Fanon.
Naseer Kura Steve Aluko- Daniel
Deputy National
Co-ordinator National
Co-ordinator
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