7th June, 2011
Mr. Auwal Musa, the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), has appealed to the Federal Government to reinforce anti-corruption agencies in the country.
Musa made the call on Monday in Abuja at a news conference on efforts by civil society organisations to enhance the development of anti-corruption laws. The conference was held by the CISLAC in collaboration with a coalition of civil society groups.
The conference is aimed at addressing critical challenges, hindering the growth of democracy in Nigeria.
Musa said there was an “urgent need for government to strengthen the anti-corruption institutions through improved funding, amendment of enabling legislations and the passage of proposed and outstanding bills.â€
He also urged the Federal Government to enhance efforts, geared at ensuring zero tolerance of corruption in the country.
He expressed the need for the government to also enhance its corruption fighting strategy, noting that the menace had continued to hinder the development of the country.
“It is important for government to deliberately show that it does not tolerate corruption.
“There is no better way to weaken the agencies than to show them that government is indeed, in line with individuals who are perceived to be corrupt,†Musa stated.
He called on the leadership of the National Assembly to show good example by enforcing code of conduct for members and encouraging state Houses of Assembly to develop their own codes.
