The Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) Mrs. Ene Obi, has advocated for a death penalty for corrupt officers in the country.
Obi made the call in Abuja on Monday, during a rally to mark this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day which was themed: “United Against Corruption. My constituency, my project.”
She lamented that many of those who had looted the economy, were moving in freedom in their houses and even sitting in the parliament and urged Nigerians to stand up against such characters.
The AAN boss also urged Nigerians to stand against corruption and join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari to fight the menace.
Obi noted that for the war on corruption to be won, it must be fought from all fronts.
She called on those in government, who had been indicted in corruption cases, to step down from office.
According to her, the government should ask themselves how many hospitals and schools they have built to improve the society.
“We are standing here today because many women are dying in our hospitals due to the poor healthcare system; many young Nigerians are in the universities without allowances.
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“We are standing here today because somebody gave us scholarship. Many years ago, our colonial masters gave scholarships to build human capital that will build Nigeria. The story is different today.
“What is happening to our education? Our public schools have been rendered almost powerless. Many people have so many houses; why do you have so many houses when you can sleep on only one bed at a time?
“We stand here to say that all those who are found guilty and charged for corruption should be brought to book.
“I want to advocate that those who are looting the economy should be sentenced to death if found guilty.”
Speaking also at the rally, the Manager, Strengthening Citizens Resistance Against Prevalence of Corruption (SCRAP-C) project, an NGO, Mr. Newton Otsamaye, stressed the need for a consensus to end corruption in the country.
His words: “We are collaborating with civil society groups, ICPC, NOA so that we can have collective engagement to end corruption.
“As Nigerians, we are tired of living without water, hospitals, good roads and transparent government. We are here to join other voices to end corruption in our government, Churches, families, schools, parliament and executive.”
Mrs. Rasheeda Okoduwa, Director, Public Enlightement, ICPC, in her own comments, posited that corruption should be fought from the home before it can spread to the wider society.
She stressed the need for Nigerians to report corruption cases to ICPC so that those involved would be brought to book.
The United Nations General Assembly on October 31, 2003, adopted the United Nations Convention against Corruption, and designated December 9 International Anti-Corruption Day, in order to raise awareness about corruption and of the role of Convention in fighting and preventing it.
