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Transparency International Nigeria Graft Rating is Clarion call to tackle corruption – FG

By on December 7, 2012

Just as the ranking of Nigeria by the Transparency International as the 35th most corrupt Nation in the World came into the fore with mixed feelings and reactions from various parts of the country, the Federal Government has taken it as a new challenge in its commitment to fighting corruption.

Speaking to Journalists, the Senior Special Assistant to the President Goodluck Jonathan on Media, Dr Doyin Okupe debunked allegations that the present administration is involved in a $31 billion  oil theft scandal.

He said “This is where we also run into problem because the President and this administration are unearthing corruption. He is not closing his doors, providing coverage. If the government says there is corruption here, let’s investigate it, show us the figures. Critics are now saying that because I say this house is dirty and not clean, I am a dirty man”.

Corruption has become a major challenge in the Nation as recent events like the  Subsidy drama, Ribadu Oil Report, Rural Electrification Scheme funds diversion scandal, Pension funds scheme corruption case reveal the extent to which the Nation is being ripped by the menace.

The efforts of the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are commendable but the challenge of dealing with the various cases to the root, poses a great challenge to the watchdog.

Dr Okupe further stated “Corruption has existed before Jonathan, but Jonathan, unlike the past administrations, has developed heart of stone to actually unearth the corruption no matter where it is or who is concerned. But because the figures are thrown up and they are true figures, people now say N240 billion pension funds stolen under Jonathan. That is not correct, that is not true. Jonathan is the one unearthing the corruption, so you cannot blame him.”