Date Published: 08/11/11

Waziri advocates Collective Action against Corruption in Nigeria

Farida Waziri

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mrs Farida Waziri has said that Nigeria can only overcome the problem of corruption if there is a collective action against it.

Waziri who spoke in Lagos on Wednesday night as the guest speaker at the 62 nd anniversary lecture of the Lagos Country Club said though the commendable achievements of the EFCC in the last eight years in terms of a record of over 600 convictions and recovery of assets worth over $12 billion, has reduced the culture of impunity that characterized yester years, the root of the menace can only be uprooted from Nigeria if the collective action approach is adopted.

Speaking on “The Fight Against Corruption As A Collective action”, the EFCC boss said it is time that discussions on corruption should move beyond finger-pointing and expectations that someone else should fix the problem, adding that the need to fight graft through collective efforts is borne out of the indisputable fact that “you cannot clap with one hand.”

In her words, “ As a result of the Commission’s efforts, the impunity that characterized the days of yore has significantly declined. Those who only recently could not be touched or questioned are today being made to answer questions on accountability and transparency. Some of those who before now saw prisons as reserved for low-level publics are today sharing facilities with inmates in those same prisons. That is how it should be and that is the whole essence of the Rule of law.

“ It must be stated that investigating and prosecuting corrupt officials is only one leg of the journey to defeating corruption and economic crime, the other flank is buoyed by vigorous and sustained attempts at winning the hearts, souls and minds of Nigerians through ethical re-orientation. This is because corruption is an activity, it is also a mindset sustained by ideas that are largely false and misleading. Therefore, the best way to fight an idea is with another idea. Herein lays the import of collective efforts to fight corruption and other crimes.

“As a collaborative and sustained process of cooperation between stakeholders, collective effort increases the impact and credibility of individual action, brings vulnerable individual players into alliance with like-minded organizations, and levels the playing field between competitors. Consequently, when informed citizens stand up safely against corruption, exerting their rights, accountability becomes tangible.

“There is an urgent need to accelerate the dynamics of mobilizing people using platforms like the Lagos Country Club against corruption. This is because citizens themselves must rise to take centre stage in creating change. People and communities should articulate their demand for an end to impunity and better government. Community organizations and others should engage people in marginalized neighbourhoods in the fight against corruption as well as use non-violent campaign tactics to hold leaders accountable.”

“Suffice it to say that the bravery and importance of collective efforts against corruption in any society can never be over emphasized. Groups and communities should come forward to take a stand against abuse of public or private office. Initiatives for supporting people in this regard can range from public enlightenment activities, basic advice on filing petitions to strategic litigation and whistle blowing.

“Since it has been established that corruption remains a cross-cutting challenge, to mount an effective response to the scourge, we need targeted and collective efforts that can stimulate lasting behavioural change. Various groups can come together and develop a plan to curb corruption, set benchmarks and follow through on implementation.”

She therefore charged members of the elite club to start work, “ towards changing the notion that the “national cake” is meant to be shared rather than baked by the various ethnic groups that constitute the Nigerian federation. This is because the idea that leaders are elected and/or appointed to “chop rather than work” provides a fertile ground for the kleptomaniac elites who are obsessed with siphoning public funds.”

While quoting from a statement made by former American President, R.F Kennedy charging citizens not to look the other way when their collective wealth is being looted and laws flouted, Waziri stressed the need for Nigerians to stand up for the defence of their freedom, commonwealth and justice.

“This observation remains apt, relevant and contemporary in our country because it highlights that fighting corruption is a task not only for the government and law enforcement, but for society as a whole - for the media, civil society, average citizens, teachers and schoolchildren, public servants, politicians, businessmen, and indeed for you distinguished members of Lagos Country Club”, she added.

At the close of the anniversary lecture which was attended by eminent members of the club including former External Affairs Minister, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, its President, Mr Adewale Osomo among others, the EFCC boss was honoured with an award.