Corruption: Until we slay this monster, country’s ambitions can’t be achieved – Gbajabiamila

By Christiana Ekpa

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila has said that, the different manifestations of corruption in Nigeria have long mitigated against national development, stressing that until the monster is slayed, the country ambitions may not be achieved.
The Speaker further disclosed that, every leader have an obligation to do what what must be done to strengthen the institutions of state responsible for leading the charge against this menace.
Gbajabiamila disclosed these during the House Committee on Anti-Corruption and Commerce, Public Hearing, on A Bill For An Act To Establish The Chartered Institute Of Forensics And Certified Fraud Examiners Of Nigeria, To Provide For The Regulation And Control Of Its Membership And Promote The Practice Of Forensics And Fraud Examiners In Nigeria; And For Related Matters 2021.
He said “This Bill was debated on the floor of the House and referred to the Committee on Thursday, 29th April 2021 for further legislative action. I am glad that the Committees have acted expeditiously to bring this Bill forward for public consideration and debate.
“The different manifestations of corruption in our society have long mitigated against our national development. Until we have slayed this monster, we may not achieve the ambitions we have for our country. Therefore, we have an obligation to do what we must to strengthen the institutions of state responsible for leading the charge against this menace.
“Part of that effort requires us to ensure that these anti-corruption agencies have access to a pool of qualified and credentialled talent to conduct complex fraud investigations, carry out forensic audits and gather the evidence that allows for perpetrators of criminal and corrupt acts to be properly held to account.
“When I first spoke to the House in my Inaugural Address at the beginning of the 9th Assembly, I stated that the House would do all we can to support the fight against corruption. And in the Legislative Agenda of the 9th House of Representatives, we also identified the fight against corruption as one of the critical areas of our attention.
“I assure Nigerians that our commitment in this regard remains as steadfast today as it was then, and that we will continue to take action to meet the commitments we have made.
“This Public Hearing is an opportunity for stakeholders and citizens to contribute to improving a Bill that will be an important contribution to the institutional strengthening that is necessary to win the fight against corruption.
“I therefore wish to encourage all of you who are here today to be objective in your presentations, and innovative in the recommendations you make. On that note, it is my pleasure to declare this Public Hearing open to the glory of God. I welcome you all once more to the House of Representatives and I wish you successful deliberations.