Change The Tactics Deployed To War Against Corruption | FENRAD Charge FG

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), has tasked the Federal Government of Nigeria to heighten the war against corruption in the country.

FENRAD made this call in a press release issued by it's Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor on Monday, to mark this year's International anti-corruption day.

The group lamented that the immediate past administration at the Federal level paid deaf ear to corrupt practices including disobeying court orders.

FENRAD called on president Bola Tinubu to ensure that the tactics used in warring against corruption are revisited and charge the president to reduce the cost of governance including unnecessary expenditures like purchasing exotic vesicles for senators and travelling expenditure which are mainly serviced with tax payers' money.

The group while pointed entrenched systemic corruption, weak law enforcement, lack of transparency, impunity, limited resources, political interference, and public apathy as hindrances to the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

The advocacy group advised the government to uphold transparency, accountability, in governance and ensure that it adopts the use of technology, create awareness and partner with anti-corruption agencies in warring against corruption.

FENRAD is an anti- corruption and human rights advocacy group and a member of United Nation convention Against corruption coalition (UNCAC), Convener Concerned Advocate Against Corruption(CCAC), a cluster member of Anti corruption and social inclusion Anchor by Africa Network for Environment & Economic Justice (ANEEJ) under the Enhancing Anti corruption and social inclusive reforms in Nigeria.

FENRAD is also in partnership with United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

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The press release read in parts;

"FENRAD laments the ugly trend, especially, where corruption, having earlier
permeated our society, took root, deepened and entrenched itself in all our
institutions, becoming manifest. It is therefore for this and other reasons that the
new government must strive to end corruption.

The last administration ruled largely through court disobedience, and without
regard to the rule of law. Under its watch animals acquired uncharacteristic traits
such that reptiles, primates and rodents "'swallowed money."

This year's observance day, with the theme "UNCAC at 20; Uniting the World Against
Corruption," couldn't have been less ideal. It is the duty of all in Nigeria to unite
against corruption, if that monster is to be defeated we need to see that as a
national project. It is for this reason that the Foundation calls on all governments
to heighten the war against corruption and to tie up the loose ends. In Nigeria
today, illegal and continued detention of political prisoners thrive.

There is a growing trust deficit today concerning the judiciary which was not made better by a startling revelation from a certain retiring justice of the Supreme, who alleged
that there is corruption in the system. The post-election litigation presented us a
new dimension of justice somersault, a situation where we graduated from
witnessing courts of coordinate jurisdiction issue contradictory judgement to the
lower courts upturning judgement delivered by the apex court, all in one
dispensation. To many in Nigeria, justice is transactional. Today, the new clich├® is
"judiciary capture."

From procuring N160 million-worth of vehicles for some 469 lawmakers, most of
whom have collected before in the last four, eight or so years ago to the story of a
presidential yacht, including N70 and N35 billion respectively awarded to the
lawmakers and judiciary, what we hear from a nation borrowing to fund her
budget is insufferable. The Foundation calls on the federal and the thirty-six
states governments to mount and pursue vigorously the campaign to defeat
corruption, rather than masquerade in affected pretension.

The recent diplomatic junket during the Conference of Parties of 2023 involving
some thousands of delegates or nearly a half of a thousand is unsuitable for a
time when Nigerians are being urged to make sacrifices, under the pains brought
about by subsidy-free regime and monetary policy reforms. The saddest of it all
was that the nation could be spending more on delegates than the USA and the
United Kingdom, all her creditors. The Foundation is deeply worried that billions
are awarded to presidential travels through appropriation every fiscal year. The
Foundation calls for financial discipline.

Public officials, including those in charge of monetary policy, meddle in politics
even when their vaults are used as the repository of electoral materials. Card-
carrying members of political parties are appointed commissioners in INEC against
the oath of neutrality. All these are not how to win the war against corruption,
but could rather sustain corruption.

The most lamentable in all this is that in the last eight years, the state secret
service became an actualizing agent of lawlessness. Court scenes had witnessed
an attempt to rearrest someone the court had freed or inter-agency rivalry. The
DSS, as they are called, regrettably became a state within a state.

Today is not a day of grief. It is not merely a day of stock taking. It is, we believe, a
day when we all should remind ourselves that we cannot remain where we were
in the last decade. It is our thinking that to end or at least fight corruption, the
nation needs and ought to be doing better. So far, the anti-corruption campaign of the current administration is still imprecise, vague and almost unknowable.

Better can be done.
Across the thirty-six states, a recent data revealed how taxpayers' money is Spent
on foreign trips, refreshments, servicing of jets, political mobilisation and sundry
Other overheads. The war against corruption is never for the federal government
alone, hence we all must unite in this crusade, We are all in this together, we
either save ourselves or we sink.

Fighting corruption in Nigeria faces challenges such as entrenched systemic
corruption, weak law enforcement, lack of transparency, a culture of impunity.
Also, limited resources, political interference, and public apathy contribute to the
complexity of addressing this issue.

Legal Framework-
* Nigeria is a signatory to several international anticorruption agreements and
treaties. Some notable ones include the United Nations Convention against
Corruption (UNCAC), the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating
Corruption, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
Protocol on the Fight against Corruption. These agreements aim to promote
transparency, accountability, and cooperation in combating corruption on a
global scale.

*A robust legal framework is crucial in combating corruption as it establishes
clear rules, defines offenses, and prescribes penalties. This helps deter corrupt
practices, ensures accountability, and fosters a transparent and fair system.
Additionally, a strong legal framework provides a basis for effective law
enforcement, prosecution, and judicial proceedings, promoting a culture of
integrity and reducing opportunities for corruption to thrive.

TO FIGHT CORRUPTION THESE ARE THE RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Transparency and Accountability

Both transparency and accountability promote openness, honesty, and responsible governance. When institutions and processes are transparent, information is readily available to the public, making it harder for corruption to thrive in the shadows. Accountability ensures that those in power are held responsible for their actions, creating a deterrent against corrupt practices. Together, these principles contribute to fostering a culture of integrity and reducing opportunities for corruption to take precedence.

Successful examples where increased transparency led to positive change - Countries like Brazil and Indonesia have shown improvements in governance and citizen engagement through increased transparency, fostering positive change. Organizations like Transparency International have contributed to exposing corruption, prompting reforms in some countries

2. Community sensitization / grassroots movements in raising awareness and holding leaders accountable

- Refer the public to successful anti-corruption movements around the world

3. Education

Education plays a crucial role in preventing corruption by promoting ethics, transparency, and accountability. It empowers individuals with critical thinking skills, ethical values, and a sense of civic responsibility, creating a foundation for a corruption-resistant society.

4.Awareness

On the consequences of corruption such as hindering of economic growth, social and political crises, weakening of democracy, etc

5. Partnerships and collaboration CSOs can provide oversight, advocacy, and expertise, while governments can
establish and enforce regulations.

Businesses, through ethical practices and transparency, contributes to a culture of integrity. These collaborations promote sustainable development and trust in institutions.

A typical example of International collaboration in the fight against corruption is the initiatives like the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) which provides a framework for countries to work together, share best practices, and coordinate efforts to combat corruption globally

6. How Technology and Innovation can be used to enhance transparency and reduce corruption -

Technology and innovation can play a crucial role in enhancing transparency by Implementing digital platforms for financial transactions, e-governance, and data management.

Also, blockchain technology can be employed to ensure the integrity of data and transactions, making them resistant to tampering.

Regular audits and real-time monitoring through technology can also contribute to deterring corrupt practices and promoting accountability; publicly accessible databases and digital tools can empower citizens to actively engage in monitoring and reporting corruption, promoting a more transparent and accountable society.

7. Proven cases of successful anticorruption

*Several countries have nmade significant strides in tackling corruption through various measures. One notable example is Singapore, which has been praised for its strong anti-corruption efforts, strict legal framework, and effective enforcement. Another example is Denmark, known for its transparent government practices and low levels of corruption. These countries emphasize a combination of robust legal systems, strong institutions, and a culture of
accountability to combat corruption successfully.

8.Actions and strategies fora sustainable anti-corruption in Nigeria:

Implementing a multi-faceted approach is crucial: Strengthening anti-corruption institutions, promoting transparency, and engaging the public are key strategies.

Also, fostering international cooperation, enforcing strict penalties, and utilizing technology for oversight can contribute to a sustained effort against corruption.

9. Call to Action - To combat corruption in Nigeria:

Individuals can advocate for transparency in governance, support anti-corruption initiatives, and demand accountability from authorities. Community sensitization/awareness, education on ethical practices, and
fostering a culture of integrity are essential for a sustainable change.

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