By Ikechukwu Okaforadi
One of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth based Forum, Movement of Progressive Youth of Nigeria (MOPYON), yesterday asked the National Assembly to seize the opportunity of the ongoing Constitution Review to enact law prescribing death sentence against corruption leaders in public positions.
The Leader of the group, Remigius Nwaonu, said this Tuesday in Abuja at the Progressives National Youth Leadership Colloquium and Awards, with the theme: “Sustainability of the Buhari’s Leadership Style of Anti corruption as a Political Culture in Nigeria; the Place of Progressive Youths in the New Nigeria.”
He said “On the fight against corruption, we request the National Assembly also to enact an Act to pronounce corruption a capital offence punishable by hanging to serve as a deterrent to those going for various public services.”
“Though to some Nigerians, the fight against corruption initiated by Mr. President in the last six years looks like a political jiggery pokery or a process to witch hunt perceived opposition.”
Nwaonu said the President Buhari administration has recorded successes in the war against corruption which were done openly and defended openly by previous administrations.
According to him, “In the survey carried out by MOPYON, we discovered that corruption in Nigeria is encultured already in every facet of human existence hence the need for this Colloquium especially with the administration of Mr President nearing an end and the 2023 politics systematically gathering momentum.”
Nwaonu noted that young people must set an agenda and be part of the strategic 2023 discussions, stressing that there is corruption in the overall framework of human existence in the society and in schools where morals and character should be built, there is corruption.
He stressed that the success made in fighting corruption by the current administration cannot be sustained if the future and successor of Buhari is not discussed, planned and prepared.
Nwaonu noted that in an effort to ensure that the anti-corruption success is sustained, the youth must be considered a strategic partner in the war against corruption and efforts for national Prosperity.
Delivering his keynote address, Toe Ekechi, said while it is true that an accused is innocent until proven guilty; the party is morally bound not to encourage seriously accused members to fly the party’s ticket.
He said thought it has not been easy for Buhari, tremendous successes and huge gains have been recorded since 2015 when considered from a broad perspective.
Ekechi noted that more than ever before, anti-corruption fight has become a respecter of no status or partisan leaning, adding that both the high and mighty, ruling party and opposition members have been subjected to the weight and searchlight of the anti-corruption crusade of the president.
He pointed out that over 10 former governors are facing various charges of financial rascality with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), while about two are already in jail and billions of naira has been recovered.
Ekechi noted that unlike before 2015 when corruption mannerism used to be celebrated even as corrupt politicians and their allies strut the corridors of power walking shoulders high, with swag and impunity, today, the anti corruption crusade of Buhari has become scary.
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