Anti-Corruption agencies in the country have been urged to step up their
engagement with the Nigerian public especially because there are still
those who think when a politician who is their kinfolk steals, it is
permissible.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, made the observation earlier today
while meeting with a delegation of the Presidential Advisory Committee
Against Corruption, PACAC led by its Chairman, Prof. Itse Sagay at the
Presidential Villa.
“How we communicate what is going on regarding corruption is important.
There are still those who think a politician who steals, is some kind of
Robin Hood, instead of being vilified,” Prof Osinbajo noted.
He added that “some people believe that if ‘my kinsman’ steals it is ok,”
stressing that it is important to completely delegitimise corruption
especially through the way it is communicated.
He praised the work of PACAC. “I commend the excellent work you have done
so far from the beginning,” he told the PACAC delegation, adding that the
Committee has done very well removing skepticism as to whether an
anti-corruption initiative can work well in the country.
“This has been very good,” the Vice President declared, explaining that
the Committee has given credibility to the anti-corruption war.
While expressing satisfaction that the anti-corruption war has been going
on very well, especially with the role of PACAC, the Vice President also
noted that it is important that corruption trials once commenced should be
concluded promptly.
In his comments at the meeting, Prof. Sagay said PACAC has engaged with
all anti-corruption agencies in the country, including the police and the
judiciary. “We are cooperating effectively well with them,” he disclosed.
Sagay who was accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the Committee,
Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye and members including Hadiza Bala-Usman, Managing
Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, called for an harmonized
National Anti-Corruption Strategy for the Federal Government.