Human rights groups have advocated for an increase in funds allocated to various anti-corruption agencies in the country to enable them to discharge their constitutional responsibilities effectively.
They have also called for the suspension of members of the All Progressives Congress who are under investigation for corrupt practices.
At a joint press conference, the groups disclosed that corruption is hindering the country’s economic growth rate, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address the situation.
The leadership of various groups, including the Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre/Transparency International Nigeria, Auwai Musa Rafsanjani, the Senior Fellow at the Centre for Democracy and Development, Prof Jibril Ibrahim, and the Executive Director of the African Centre for Media and Information Literacy, Mr. Chido Onunah, resolved that adequate resources must be provided for these agencies.
They stressed the importance of prioritizing adequate funding and support for anti-corruption agencies to prevent corruption and promote accountability.
According to them, this would demonstrate the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to the fight against corruption and sharp practices.
Furthermore, it was resolved that the National Judicial Council must diligently monitor its members and promptly remove any corrupt judicial officer found compromising the judicial system.
“To truly establish a flourishing democracy, transparency and accountability must be strictly adhered to in governance.
This requires holding politicians accountable for their actions and inactions, strengthening institutions to combat corruption, and ensuring that the allocation of resources is done in a fair and equitable manner,” they stated.
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The groups urged the ruling All Progressives Congress and other political parties to take decisive action in purging their ranks by denouncing and breaking support with members who are currently being investigated by anti-corruption agencies. This can be achieved by suspending all members tainted by corruption allegations and ensuring they are held accountable before the law.
“We urge Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to promptly reinstate the police personnel withdrawn from the Kano State Anti-corruption Commission to facilitate the effective execution of the commission’s duties. The Nigeria Police must avoid actions that may portray it as being submissive to politicians.”