President, Association of Ex-Local Government Chairmen in Nigeria (ASELGON), Hon. Albert Ashipa, Monday called on President Muhammadu Buhari to extend his anti-corruption campaign to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Ashipa said it was necessary to end the culture of fraud in public service and reclaim all stolen funds back into government coffers.
The association chairman, during sideline meeting of ASELGON Central Working Committee, in Abuja said it was impossible for corrupt politicians to steal money without involving public officials, especially in the MDAs and parastatals.
He emphasized need for public supports, stressing that Buhari should despise critics condemning prosecution of accused individuals involved in the arms deal fraud.
Ashipa said, “The humongous funds allegedly being traced to some civil servants when the cleansing effort of Buhari began is commendable. No politician can embezzle public fund without the full connivance of civil servants.
“Pressures will be less on the state and federal governments if councils are not overstretched to deliver on campaign promises, hospitals will run efficiently and effectively if corruption is decisively tackled head-on the way Buhari’s government is going about it.”
However, the association restated commitments to continue supporting any government determined to fighting corruption and impunity, whether at the State or Federal levels.
“Corruption has assumed the status of great demon which every citizen must join hands to fight to standstill,” Ashipa added.
On recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing with the United Arab Emirates, the association expressed optimism it would encourage Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and help recover stolen funds.