Integrity: FG seeks cooperation from stakeholders over anti-graft war

Fri, Dec 14, 2018 | By publisher


Politics

Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has called for co-operation from stakeholders to effectively overcome the fight against corruption in the country.

Mustapha made the call in his remark at the Second Integrity Idol Award Summit on Thursday night in Abuja.

The summit was organised by Accountability Lab in partnership with Ford Foundation and Mac Arthur Foundation to honour some Nigerians that have demonstrated integrity in their endeavours.

The awardees included Mrs Bukola Adewunmi of News Agency of Nigeria, Abuja, Mr Aremo Kehinde, State Director, National Youth Service Corps, Anambra and Mr Bravo Otahabru, Supply Chain Director, National Agency for the Control of Aids.

Others are Mr Benson Agwu, a journalist with Ebonyi Newspaper and Mr Abdul Majid Oniyanyi, a Magistrate with FCT Magistrate Court.

Mustapha represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Polycarp Shambo, said combating and preventing corruption required comprehensive approach.

“As the menace of corruption negatively affects everyone whether directly or indirectly, it requires action from each and every one of us; government, private sector, civil societies, religious bodies, traditional institutions and media among others.

“We all need to work together to tackle this menace.

“This administration right from inception made the fight against corruption one of its three cardinal objectives. The battle is being fought at two levels; direct fight against corruption and preventive policies and programmes.

“We shall continue to build a resilient system that can withstand assault by corrupt officials and practice,’’ he said.

Mustapha also stressed that government would continue to identify and support credible initiatives to enthrone the culture of integrity and accountability, moral, ethical reorientation and reward for excellence.

He said that President Muhammadu Buhari had recently declared open the Corruption Risk Assessment training for Heads and senior officials of anti-corruption agencies in the African Union.

According to him, the training is part of the administration’s support for the war against corruption in the continent.

On the Integrity Award to some Nigerians, Mustapha said “integrity is exemplified by honesty and consistency in doing the right thing even when no one is watching.

“Integrity is essential for building strong institutions and assures citizens that the government is working for their interest, not just for a selected few.

“Integrity is also about making the economy more productive, public sector more efficient and societies more inclusive; it is about restoring trust in government, public institutions and private organisation.

“Overcoming mistrust in government and building systems of justice and accountability requires changing popular mind-set especially through supporting individuals who demonstrates integrity.

“For its part, this administration has listened to the prevailing opinion to accord credibility to awards especially the National Honours and Merit Awards.

He congratulated the awardees and urged them to continue to demonstrate and promote integrity in whatever they do. (NAN)

– Dec. 14, 2018 @ 12:09 GMT |

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