A Non-Governmental Organisation, the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT), has identified corruption and corrupt leaders as the main causes of failures in education, healthcare, and various systems both in Nigeria and around the world, especially in developing countries.
NACAT believes that Nigeria and the global community can achieve peace and stability when leaders are held accountable for their actions, and those found culpable are brought to justice.
Mr. Michael Ekpo, the South-South coordinator of NACAT, made these remarks during a press conference to inaugurate the South-South zonal office of the organization in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, over the weekend.
“As Nigerians, we have one common enemy, corruption. It is the reason behind our failed education system, it is the reason for our failed healthcare system, it is the reason why our youths roam the streets unemployed, it is the reason why our shared wealth is in the hands of a few while the rest of the populace live in abject poverty and lack.
The zonal coordinator said Nacat’s flight is against corruption; “it is a fight for a better Nigeria, accountability and transparency, where we make our leaders understand that we placed them in positions of leadership for the good of all and as such we are accountable and responsible for us and not themselves, their families and cabals.
“As an agency, we are going all out to bring down this common enemy of ours. I implore all to join forces to tackle this great enemy” Ekpo urged.
He said the organization intends to monitor the expenditure of local government funds in the south-south region, with the passage of LG autonomy bill and so much funds going directly to LGAs.
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Responding to widespread insinuations on the recent petition against Udom Emmanuel, Ekpo said that NACAT’s anti-corruption fight in Akwa Ibom state was not limited to the immediate past administration of Udom Emmanuel, saying that it will investigate past and present administrations in the state.
“No we are not sponsored. NACAT has been on ground. NACAT has investigated Okowa in Delta State. The same way NACAT wrote a petition against Udom to the EFCC is the same way it wrote against Okowa.
“I have heard insinuations and accusations that the Senate President Godswill Akpabio is behind our petition against ex-gov Udom. It is not true because NACAT will investigate present and past administrations in the state including that of Akpabio.
“NACAT has achieved a lot over the years in its fight against corruption but it is the petition against Udom that has made the organization popular in Akwa Ibom state. There is much to be done that is why an office has set up in the state to oversee the Southsouth region.
“Federal government is going to be paying monies directly to local governments and you can imagine what they will be doing with our money. Most of the local government chairmen will leave after four years and they won’t have anything to show for the billions that will be paid into their accounts.
“That is why we have to sit down and strategize how we are going to be watchdogs. This is the right time for us to work for our people. NACAT is not sponsored by any politician. We are working for the people”. He explained.
He expressed optimism that the organisation will make corrupt leaders uncomfortable and make them to work for the common good and a more prosperous and corruption-free Nigeria.
Recall that NACAT had earlier submitted a petition against the immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel, over N1.5 trillion allegedly mismanaged by him, to the EFCC and ICPC, which has gained a wide call for a probe by citizens of the state and Nigeria.
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