‘Extend anti-corruption war to NNPC, CBN’ Says, former UN ambassador

FORMER Ambassador and Deputy Representative of Nigeria at the United Nations, Chief Oladapo Fafowora, has called on the Federal Government to take its anti-corruption war to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Fafowora stated this at the 11th annual Adekunle Kukoyi Memorial Lecture organised by the Lagos State Branch of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors in Lagos on Thursday, adding that there should be a holistic fight against corruption in the country.

“The searchlight against corruption should be extended to other public agencies, including the NNPC and the CBN. It is no exaggeration to say that virtually all public institutions in our country have been gripped by the vice of corruption,” he said.

The former envoy noted that strong measures, including rebuilding of public institutions, should be introduced to address the challenge of corruption.

He added, “There is strong and widespread public demand to the effect that those against whom allegations of public corruption have been made should be brought to justice as speedily as possible.

“If found guilty, then they should be punished accordingly. There should be no sacred cows as such people are morally unfit for positions of leadership and high state responsibilities in our country. They are enemies of the state and should be treated as such.”

The guest lecturer at the event and Chancellor of Lead City University, Ibadan, Prof. Gabriel Ogunmola, stated that the huge amount in the arms deal scandal involving the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.) and other prominent Nigerians was a national shame.

Ogunmola, who spoke on ‘Landscape: Challenges and responsibilities for African future’, said the money should have gone into the provision of health care delivery and infrastructure among, others.

He said the tax regime in the country was very low and should be reviewed upward, adding that the move would make Nigerians more interested in how their national wealth was being utilised.

The Chairman, Lagos State Chapter, NIS, Mr. Gbenga Alara, said professionals should define their roles in order to improve their prospects for sustained growth and development.

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