The Acting Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu has called on Civil Society Organizations
(CSOs) in the South-South, to brace up in monitoring the integrity and
execution of contracts by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
He made the call on Monday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State at
an interactive meeting with leaders of Civil Society Groups in Rivers and
Bayelsa States. According to Magu, the only modality of fighting the evils of
abandonment and poor contract execution of contracts is to be involved in thier
monitoring. “We must monitor how contracts are being given and how they are
executed to ensure transparency and accountability. Also, Civil Society Groups
are needed to work with the EFCC in ensuring that right things are done, not
only in respect of contract issues but also in all other issues. Let people do
the right thing within the South-South. If people do the right thing it is for
the benefit of the people of Niger Delta”, he said.
The EFCC boss also charged the leaders that they should be ready
to serve as a bridge between the Commission and the larger public. He decried
the rising rate of poverty within the South-South, noting that money meant for
the development of the region is not being accounted for. He, therefore, urged
the CSOs to work towards ending corruption in the region by sensitizing youths
and other interest groups about the evils of corrupt practices. “Teach the
younger once to imbibe self discipline. Teach them to avoid the wrong thing’’,
he said.
For the Civil Society Groups to rise to the new
responsibilities thrust on them, Magu admonished them to be committed,
properly-involved and courageous. . “We are coming together to adopt a common
strategy, be committed and properly involved. You need patience, perseverance
and courage. They will fight you because corruption always fights back but they
cannot overcome you because you are doing the right thing”, he said.
The National Director, Coalition of NGOs Against Corruption,
Comrade.Haris Chuma, commended the EFCC on behalf of the CSOs. He noted that
the fight against corrupt practices have stepped up since Magu came in and
promised that the group will show more commitments and responsibilities in the
new roles offered them by the EFCC. “We are willing and ready to work with the Commission
to bring corruption to an end’’, he said.
The Zonal Head of Operations, Port Harcourt, Mr. Ishaq
Salihu, thanked the CSOs for their time with the Acting Chairman of the
Commission. He said that the Chairman remained committed to the fight against corruption
and assured them of cooperation at all times.
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