A Civil Society Organization, World Institute for Peace has called on President Bola Tinubu to give marching order to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commision, ICPC to immediately commence into actions and inactions of some former Ministers.
The CSO commended the suspension and arrest of the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, stating that more of the top government functionaries of the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration should be invited to account for how they spent public funds while in office.
Lamina Kamiludeen Omotoyosi, Executive Director of WIP, made this call on Friday while addressing newsmen.
“We call on the current administration under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to begin a crack down on some cankerworms, eating away the root of the nation’s economic and financial strength.
“We noted that “every day, Nigeria seems to secure it’s place as one of the most corrupt country in the world. From online scams to political misdemeanor. It seems the issue of corruption in Nigeria is not going away soon” however, all hands should be on deck in order to put an hurt to this.
“Last week, Emefiele, the Governor of the central bank of Nigeria was arrested on allegations of “financing terrorism, fraudulent activities, and economic crimes of national security dimension. Meanwhile, billions of government’s funds had been lost to many present and past office holders in the system.”
The organization called on President to take immediate action, stating that delay may be dangerous.
“Further, we observed that, if proper care is not taken on time, the ripple effect of fraudulent activities by many public office holders could keep Nigeria’s economy stability staggering for the next decade. These are funds meant for social development, infrastructures investments, food and public health care facilities. If and when those funds are recovered, it’ll go a long way in fixing the delicate stand of our economy.
“We implored the new Federal Government administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to begin a crack down to probe through the EFCC and ICPC, the following past office holders.”
Lamina said highlighted Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Executive Secretary of National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) as some of officials deserving of such invitation.
“He (ES NALDA) should be able to give account of billions of naira that entered the agency and why he refused to pay the salaries of the members of the board for almost 37 months. Paul Ikonne needs to be questioned for accounts.” He said.