RANDOM THOTS
In Nigeria, it is ‘fashionable’ to fight corruption, and the various strategies being proffered in this crusade are more numerous than the entrances to an open village market. Although the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary are the three main architects of this nation’s continued existence, their approaches to fighting corruption differ.
The Legislature unveiled a novel approach to fighting corruption at a recent book launch by one of the flamboyant members of the upper chamber of the National Assembly titled ‘Antidotes for Corruption’. Although the launch, which drew the topmost officials of the National Assembly and a former First Lady, was subjected to some negative scrutiny, some crucial tips stood out from the event.
One vital tip canvassed by the Senate President, was the call for focus on deterrent rather than punishment of corrupt acts, and also the building of systems that makes corrupt acts more difficult to carry out. To this reporter, who participated in a Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA) programme organised by the ICPC and UNDP in 2012, it is better to nip corruption in the bud before it actually happens, and checks ought to be in place to prevent corrupt acts; although corrupt acts still ought to be punished.
Meanwhile, the Executive, which prioritised war against corruption, has unveiled the Whistleblower Policy; a strategy which has helped to recover billions from looters. The Executive is also mulling the establishment of special courts to prosecute high-profile corruption cases. Although the National Assembly plans to pass the “Whistleblower Protection Bill into law, not later than this Julyâ€, the ‘side-effects’ of the war against corruption exist and the safety of whistle-blowers is paramount. However, all the arms must harness their strategies to achieve maximum impact in the anti-corruption war…simple logic
– Abimbola Akosile
