In ensuring that corruption is wiped out, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) yesterday charged civil society organisations (CSOs) to support the present administration in the crusade.
Country Director of UNDP, Pa Lamin Beyal, who gave this charge in Abuja yesterday at the International Anti-Corruption Day with the theme ‘Break the Corruption Chain’ said the theme of the seminar is apt, especially given the fact that accountability is a priority for the present government and people of Nigeria.
According to Beyal, UNDP and its partners United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the European Union (EU) are excited to continue working with all the CSOs stakeholders in expanding the scope of their engagements with anti-corruption agencies and law enforcement institutions.
Beyal said, “The support of the UNDP to today’s event which is being implemented within the framework of the EU-funded project of support to anti-corruption in Nigeria is aimed at strengthening CSOs coordination in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
“Our main goal is to expand opportunities for you (CSOs) to make a positive impact in the anti-corruption crusade. In implementing the project, UNDP as so far engage with non-government actors involved in social mobilization ranging from relevant ministries, departments and agencies to civil society networks and assisted in giving technical assistance to coordinate CSOs networks and relevant stakeholders,” he said.
“Our main goal is to expand opportunities for you (CSOs) to make a positive impact in the anti-corruption crusade. In implementing the project, UNDP as so far engage with non-government actors involved in social mobilization ranging from relevant ministries, departments and agencies to civil society networks and assisted in giving technical assistance to coordinate CSOs networks and relevant stakeholders,” he said.
United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon said the United Nations Convention against corruption provides a comprehensive platform for governments, non-governmental organizations, civil society and individual citizens through prevention, criminalization, international cooperation and assets recovery, noting that the convention advances global progress toward ending corruption. “On International Anti-Corruption Day, I call for united efforts to deliver a clear message around the world that firmly rejects corruption and embraces instead the principles of transparency, accountability and good governance. This will benefit communities and countries, helping to usher in a better future for all,” he said
Ki-Moon added that corruption has disastrous impact on development when funds that should be devoted to schools, health clinics and other vital public services are diverted into the hands of criminals or dishonest officials, stressing that it can lead to dissatisfaction with public institutions, disillusion with government and spirals of anger unrest.
In his goodwill message, Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-Corruption (PAC), Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye said the present administration is very serious about fighting corruption to the barest minimum, adding that the mandate of the committee was to strengthen institutions of government in the fight against corruption.
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