By Adeleye Kunle
Six years after instituting the Whistleblower Policy to aid in the fight against corruption, the Federal Government has lamented Nigerians’ growing disinterest in reporting instances of corruption and has called for greater citizen participation.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, stated this in Abuja alongside the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, and the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission, ICPC, Prof. Bolaji Owasan-oye, at the launch of the Partners United/Whistleblowing Reporting Portal, organized by the African Centre for Media and Information Literacy, AFRICMIL, in collaboration with the Shehu Musa
Malami, who was represented by his Special Assistant on Cyber Crimes, Mr. Abiodun Aikomo, emphasized the importance of long-term collaboration between citizens and the Federal Government in combating corruption with patriotic zeal.
“The Whistleblowing Policy has achieved some modest successes,” he said, “but I should say that those successes to date are still suboptimal compared to what we can achieve if we drive it very efficiently.”
“The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, which I represent on behalf of the federal government of Nigeria, has done a lot in support of the anti-corruption campaign.”
“Despite the modest successes we have achieved, the reality today is that the war on corruption is far from over.” We cannot deceive ourselves; there is still work to be done. One major lesson learned thus far is that in order to significantly advance the cause of Nigeria’s anti-corruption case in these existential battles, ordinary Nigerians must participate as critical stakeholders and government allies.”
Finance Minister Zainab Ahmed, who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Aliyu Shehu, bemoaned the waning interest in whistleblowing, noting that it was one of the most viable means of combating corruption in the country.
“At the outset, there was widespread enthusiasm among Nigerians as they volunteered information, which investigation resulted in the recovery of both cash and non-cash assets.” However, after about two to three years of policy implementation, public interest and the policy began to dwindle,” she said.
The ICPC Chairman, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, described the whistleblowing policy as critical to Nigeria’s progress, saying the anti-graft agency was committed to combating corruption at all levels by vigorously engaging whistleblowers.
He suggested that platforms created for the sole purpose of whistleblowing be made easily accessible to all Nigerians.
“The platform must be easily accessible for this initiative to have the desired impact.” It should provide secure and confidential hotlines for informants and information in order to strengthen and promote a well-ethical environment free of victimization and retaliation attacks. Continuous public education is also required to ensure sustainability and avoid false and malicious complaints and reports.
“The ICPC, for its part, will continue to collaborate with relevant government agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and stakeholders to ensure the effectiveness of policies that will aid in the fight against corruption.” “It is our hope that by the end of this program, participants and stakeholders will be inspired to work for the greater good of our country,” he said.
Earlier, Chido Onumah, Coordinator of the African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL), stated that the current platform will supplement the government whistleblowing platform managed by the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA) and make it easier for citizens to submit tips anonymously without fear of being exposed and with confidence that the tips will be treated.
“Our project’s goal is to create a citizenry that is aware of its role in fighting corruption.” As Nigerians, we must recognize that the fight against corruption is not solely the responsibility of the government. We have legal and moral responsibilities, which the whistleblower policy seeks to ensure,” he added.
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