Activists task anti-graft agencies on transparency, accountability

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

Human rights Activists in Edo State have demanded transparency and accountability from the various anti-graft agencies in the Country in order to win public trust.
They stated that the measure will engender sincerity in the fight against corruption and discourage corrupt practices, adding that leadership is not about attributes but, result.
The Coordinator-General of Edo Civil Society organizations, Leftist Omobude Agho, and the President and Founder, Faculty of Peace Organization, Comrade Kelly Osunbor, spoke at the 2019 World Peace Day Conference in Benin City, Edo State Capital.
The 2019 theme for the 6th Edition of the World Peace Day Conference organised by the group was tagged, “Corruption: Threat to National Peace and Development”.
In their separate remarks on the occasion, Leftist Omobude Omobude, said Nigeria is not working due largely to the leadership structure while, Comrade Kelly Osunbor, tasked government to strengthen institutions.
Omubude while appraising Nigeria performance index in corruption under a Democratic government, called for a consciousness national rebirth that would phase-out geriatric leaders in both appointive and elective positions in government which would pave the way for good governance.
According to Osunbor, the time as come for every Nigerians to wake up from their sleep and face reality of life is now.
“The so call leaders don’t care about us as youths non old mother’s and fathers of the land”.
In a remark, the Benin Zonal Head of Operations, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Muktar Suleiman Bello, corrected the erroneous impression of some Nigerians and groups against the Commission, a development which tend to undermine the efforts of the Commission.
Muktar who was represented by the Media unit Head of EFCC, Benin, Mr Oseghale Williams, said between January and September 2019, the Commission under the watch of the Acting Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu, has secured 63/convictions and have recovered properties which were proceed of corruption.
Niger College, Benin and Oredo Girls College both in Benin City took first and second positions respectively in the quiz competition at the event, which featured meritorious service award on female Traffic Official, Sergeant Patience Uhunamure.
The event also helped in raising awareness on how corruption impedes the growth and development of any nation.
Undergraduate students from Benson Idahosa University, University of Benin (UNIBEN), and Nursing students from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) attended the Ceremony.
Also in attendance were Edo State School of Health students, Nation Youth Service Corp (NYSC) members, Heads of Security agencies in the State and Heads of Anti-graft agencies in Nigeria.