The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has expressed worry over attempts by some politicians to ignore the declaration of their assets as required by the country’s constitution.
The anti-graft agency said the move was working against efforts at eliminating corruption and corrupt practices among politicians.
Alex Ebbah, head of EFCC in Akwa Ibom State, stated this at a workshop on ‘mobilising stakeholders for improved accountability and good governance through asset declaration’ organised by Human and Environmental Development Agenda.
According to him, politicians are declaring their assets in anticipation of what they hope to acquire while in office, adding that assets declaration should be seen as an instrument in the fight against corruption which must be complied with.
He urged Nigerians to ‘run away from the get-rich-quick syndrome’ and pleaded with the Code of Conduct Bureau to enforce its guidelines on asset declaration while pledging to partner with other anti-graft agencies in the country.
In a communiqué at the end of the workshop, participants noted that corruption cannot be isolated from economic exclusion and lack of opportunities, especially for younger people and indigenous communities who face poverty and despair.
They also resolved, in conjunction with civil society organisations and anti-corruption agencies, to strengthen alliance and solidarity by increasing the tempo of working together.
They promised to promote public awareness and education on the activities of the CCB and the imperative of compliance by public officials.
The groups said it recognised that Declaration of Assets through the Code of Conduct Bureau and compliance of public officials is one of the most effective ways of fighting corruption as contained in Schedule 1 of the 1999 Constitution and resolved to further tackle corruption in public service.
“The acquisition of illegal assets by public officials is not without the knowledge and collaboration of some bad elements in the civil service and financial institutions.
“It is observed that while inadequate remuneration and poor conditions of service are not justifications for collaborative corruption in the civil service, participants recognise and call for full implementation of the national minimum wage and improved conditions of service for civil servants most of who live below the poverty line,” the communiqué stated.
The participants expressed concern about the unimpressive salary structure of the CCB workers in the face of public high expectations and called on the Federal Government to address the service conditions at the CCB to enhance effective performance.
It noted that the principle of Asset Declaration can be promoted through the family units, education institutions and faith-based organisations.
Participants at the workshop regretted the “cobweb of legal obstacles weaved by political interests to whittle down the swift trial of suspects who flout the CCB regulations”, and therefore, called for the “passage of all relevant legislation at the national and state levels that will ensure judicial reforms in favour of speedy, prompt and diligent prosecution.”
It also urged the media to increase its capacity to constructively engage the dialogue on corruption with emphasis on Asset Declaration by public officials through investigative reporting and adequate follow-up mechanism.
The workshop was attended by representatives of various groups and institutions including the Nigerian Orientation Agency, in Akwa Ibom State (NOA), Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) represented by the Vice Chairman, Iboro Ibara, Persons With Disability Action Network, Community Partners Development, the media and civil society organisations.
ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo
