By Mary Okoh,
Enugu
A Civil Society Organization (CSO), Strengthening Citizens Resistance Against Prevalence of Corruption (SCRAP-C), has cautioned Nigerian leaders against involving in any influential interest that could lead to corrupt practices.
The Project Manager of SCRAP-C, Newton Otsemaye, stated this at a two-day freedom of information capacity building and mentoring for citizens workshop held in Enugu on Friday.
Otsemaye, who said that conflict of interest could result to corruption, advised political office holders to stay away from action that could lead to corrupt practices.
He said, “We cannot have a vibrant society if our leaders indulge in corrupt practices.
“Any visionary leader that wants to better the lives of the citizens will avoid action that will influence his interest because influence is powerful when in political position”.
Otsemaye described corruption as a social problem that affects social, political and economic life of Nigeria thereby inferring development and prevents investment in public values.
He expressed worry that conflict of interest could result to corruption hence should be avoided.
He pointed out that corruption would be reduced if issues of conflict of interest were reduced, adding, “When corruption is addressed, economy will be improved and dividend of democracy will be delivered to the citizens.”
He thereby advised the citizens to always demand for their right from political office holders for a better society in which accountability and transparency in public and private sectors are norms.
SCRAP-C is a 5-year project of the UK Anti-Corruption in Nigeria Programme (ACORN) which is designed to address corruption through change in social norms, public attitudes that support corruption. The project is led by ActionAid Nigeria in consortium with other national not-for-profit organisations.
