2 weeks Ago By Adedamola Alex
Former 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has called for heavy sanctions on leaders in the country, found guilty of corrupt practices. Obi insisted that they must face tough punishments, adding that the Nigeria must end economic wastage. Speaking in a statement shared his X page on Tuesday to mark international anti-corruption day, the former governor of Anambra State, urged Nigerian leaders to engage in a conscience search and purge themselves of all forms of corrupt practices.
He noted that over the years, Nigeria has been burdened by corruption at all levels of government and across the different arms of government. The statement reads: “Today, the Global community marks a very important day – International Anti-Corruption Day, which holds a very important lesson for us in Nigeria, considering how our dear nation has been burdened, over the years, by a sickening level of corruption at all levels of government and across the different arms of government. “A few days ago, I read a media report credited to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which boldly stated that corruption has brought Nigeria to its knees economically and socially, and I could not agree more.
READ MORE: Peter Obi Condemns Dele Farotimi’s Arrest, Calls For Immediate Release “Corruption is, indeed, the bane of our national development. From lack of transparency in budgeting and allocation of funds to misappropriation of public funds through mindless looting and budget padding, to abuse of public office for personal gains and the many layers of contract inflation, all are different manifestations of corruption across different levels of government, not to mention the bribery, favouritism and toll-gating that go on in different offices. “Our corruption perception index of 145 out of 180 countries measured shows the high level of corruption in Nigeria, which needs to be fought to a standstill if we must expect any meaningful development.
“Added to that, we are today ranked among the 11 worst-ruled African nations in the last 10 years. All these have not only continued to discourage good governance but have continued to clog the wheels of our national development. “Those found guilty must face stern justice.
A day like this provides us with the opportunity to search our consciences as leaders and eschew all forms of corrupt practices that pervade every part of our leadership positions. “And to us the followers, we must stand against all forms of corruption in our capacities for our national interest.”.
