Group calls for review of Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws

Adejoke Adeleye, Abeokuta

An anti-corruption group, Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN) has called on government at all level to come together to review all the necessary laws in order to bring an end to corruption in the country by effective law and adjudication.

TAN during a press conference held to mark the International Day of Corruption 2021 with the theme “Your Right,Your Role:Say No To Corruption” led by the National Coordinator Mr Olukunle Adeogun said when an effective corruption mitigation measure is put in place, a better recovery will be possible.

Adeogun hinted that to reduce the risk of corruption, there is need for strong institutions and anti-corruption agencies and groups that will check mismanagement in public and private spaces and demand transparency in all the activities of these institutions.

Adeogun added that corruption is a serious crime that can undermine social and economic development in all societies and no country,region or community is immune.

He added that corruption has been identifies as one of the biggest impediment to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.

While recommending ways in which country can get out of corruption TAN recommended that “there must be increase respect in the rule of law, increase transparency and accountability in the use and management of available resources for the common good of all citizens.

“Anti graft agencies should live up to their expectations in line with constitutional mandate for the betterment of entire citizens.

“Whistleblower policy should be review,reinvigorated and sustained with adequate protection commensurate, encouragement for whistleblower. We call for Special Anti- Corruption court to try corruption cases within reasonable time.

“This Special courts will also help ease the burden of Judges in the country who are already saddled with trying of so many cases and this is affecting the justice system. We call on the National and State Assembly to make laws that establishes this courts.

“Corruption is a serious crime that can undermine social and economic development in societies and no country, region or community is immune. corruption has been noted as one of the biggest impediments to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

“We however call on government in all quarters to rather adopt preventive measures to fight corruption rather the combative measures.

“The government must make it difficult for individuals or groups in public offices to steal public funds, they must put systems in place that makes it impossible for an individual to access huge amount of funds without series of checks by other individuals or technology”.