Date Published: 12/10/09

Anti-Graft war: Waziri tasks Civil Servants,Youths, Others

Farida Waziri

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission , EFCC, Mrs. Farida Waziri has decried a situation where a few individuals corner the resources of the nation for their personal use while the vast majority  live in abject poverty and squalor, saying it is no longer acceptable.

Mrs. Waziri spoke Wednesday night, at an event to round up series of events to mark the 2009 world  anti-corruption day in Abuja .

According to her, “It is no longer acceptable that while some people can’t eat three square meals, many others are buying private jets, using public funds. This is no longer acceptable. We all have to come together and bring an end to this before we all become victims and have no nation to bequeath to the future generation.”  

She had earlier in the day, reiterated her call for the establishment of Special Courts to fast track the prosecution of corruption cases if the fight against graft in Nigeria would make any meaning in the coming years.

Waziri also challenged Nigerian youths not to sit back but should get actively involved, stressing that the future of the country belongs to them, “ and they must join every positive move like our Anti- Corruption Revolution (ANCOR) campaign to safeguard what belongs to them against the itching hands of a privileged few.” 

Also speaking at a Public Sector/Civil Society rally, the Chairman challenged Civil Servants to imbibe the message of ANCOR, by yielding themselves as volunteers and whistle blowers. 

Waziri who was speaking on the topic- Public Servants As Gate-Keepers in the F ight Against Corruption : Perspectives From EFCC”, said with civil servants as the nexus between the leaders and the led, they have a major role to play in attempts to curb the menace.

She urged civil servants to be more committed and always exhibit honesty, probity, delivery of selfless service and the fear of God.

While also speaking at the forum, the Head of Service of the federation, HOSF, Mr. Steve Oronsaye urged Civil Servants in particular and Nigerians in general to always reflect on their civic responsibility to make Nigeria a better place.

Oronsaye who spoke through Dr. Goke Adegoroye, Permanent Secretary , Ministry of Interior , said the incorruptible Nigerians should not fret or be envious of the proceeds of corruption of evil men. Their wealth, he said would soon be cut down like the grass and would wither away like green herbs.

He said that Civil Servants should always ensure that policies are not only translated to programmes, but to ensure that those programmes are implemented.

The HOS also said that poor salary does not promote corruption as it has been discovered that some of those who earn fat pay are also very corrupt. “That is not to say nothing would be done on the low salary earners. The disparity between the salaries of Permanent secretaries and other low cadre earners would soon be worked on”, he said.

In his own remark, Comrade John Itodo Emmanuel, National Vice President , Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria , advocated for a network where people can see something and say without fear of intimidation.

He explained that there are instances where life has been made horrible for those who make bold attempts to report corruption.

He also decried a situation where some criminals are offered palatial abode inside the prison, while other convicted criminals are jam-packed in a four by four room. “This is corruption because such privilege is paid for”, he quipped.