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NLC tasks National Assembly on protection of whistle- blowers

Published

11 years ago

December 4, 2015

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on members of the National Assembly to work out a policy to protect whistle blowers.

President of NLC, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, made the call while briefing newsmen Thursday in Abuja on “Why the anti-corruption war is succeeding in the country.’’

Wabba said the National Assembly should rise to the challenge immediately, while the courts should ensure speedy disposal of corruption cases.

He said the on-going revelation on the $2.1 billion arms purchase deal has justified unqualified support for the fight against corruption.

“The revelations by the former National Security Adviser, his erstwhile Director of Finance, Shuaibu Salisu, which we believe are just the tip of the iceberg, are mind-boggling.

“This justifies as well as reinforces our call for capital punishment in cases of corruption in public office.

“With prescription of more stringent punishment for corruption cases, few will dare to go to this extent.

“Massive corruption in the system is responsible for our lack of development and our present economic woes.’’

Wabba said Nigerians must be resolute and firm in the support for good governance and fight against corruption.

He said people should imbibe the culture of accountability by ensuring that public officers were accountable in and out of office.

Wabba called on the Federal Government to expand the terms of reference of Prof. Itse Sagay Committee to accommodate receiving confidential information on corruption.

The NLC said that this should be forwarded to anti-corruption agencies for prosecution and recovery.

He, however, commended Shuaibu Salisu for having the courage to make the revelation, saying that this had assisted in revealing the monumental corruption in the arms deal.

Wabba also called on President Muhammadu Buhari not to relent in his war against corruption.

“We call on the government to, among others, probe the power sector reform programme which has delivered darkness instead of light, in spite of billions of dollars expended on it’’, he said.