Again, TI rates Nigeria 144th in World Corruption Index

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Nigeria is said to currently occupy 144th position out of 180 counties on the World Corruption Index produced by Transparency International.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA), Bwari Branch and made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.
The statement signed by Paul Daudu, and Monday Adjeh, Chairman and Secretary, Anti-corruption/Rule of Law Committee of the group respectively revealed that a cursory examination of the said index showed that there has been little of no improvement in Nigeria’s ranking over the past 4 years.
The statement added that this it is painful that despite the Anti-corruption mantra/policy of the party in power.
According to the statement, people erroneously think that corruption is a way of life, but the fact remains that every society, sector and individual would benefit from standing against corrupt practices.
“It is our view that the continued failure of most countries to significantly control corruption is contributing to crisis in democracy around the world.
“This awareness walk is aimed at promoting rule of law which essentially means that nobody in society whether highly or lowly placed is above the law.
“Today is an important day as it is normally marked both by high-level political conferences and meetings and by cultural events and exhibitions dealing with human rights issues.
“Many governmental and non-governmental organizations active in the human rights field also schedule special events to commemorate the day, as do many civil and social-cause organizations.
“The Nigeria Bar Association is one of the champions of the civil society uses today’s occasion to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity,” the statement reads.