Ribadu wants young Nigerians to expose corruption

 Drums support for Magu The former Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has challenged young Nigerians to take extra step to purge corruption out of the system and also ensure they are not infected by corruption which has permeated most facets of our public life. Ribadu said that all the gains recorded by his administration in the fight against corruption crashed in 2007, calling on Nigerians to pick up their gauntlets and ensure transparency at all levels of the economy. He equally said that people should support polices irrespective of whoever is on the driving seat, just as he urged Nigerians to support the efforts made by the current EFCC Chairman Ibrahim Magu, to rid the country of corruption despite the distractions from the corrupt cabals that stir all kinds of propaganda to resist his confirmation. Mallam Ribadu made this call in his keynote address during the “#Ifollowthemoney” movement media pally organized by Connected Development also known as CODE5 in Abuja. “In modern governance”, Ribadu said, “citizens are not meant to take the back seat. Indeed, citizens must take the lead, set the agenda and monitor implementation of government programmes, if they are to witness the kind society they aspire to. “Mobilization for social accountability is a bottom-up approach to development that can guarantee transparency and accountability in the society by ensuring that those who are in positions of responsibility are put to task and people get value for money. We should all get involved as citizens. This is the least we can do as responsible citizens, and with the availability of modern technology tools, such advocacies have been simplified and could make far-reaching impact in terms of policy and decision-making,” he said. He challenged his audience to stand up against corruption and remain resolute inspire all oppositions and intimidations. “Importantly, at a time like this, when a clear line is remerging, demarcating agents of progress and those of bent on stopping them, as citizens, we have a duty not to be on the fence but make a clear choice between these contending forces,” he said. The former presidential aspirant drummed support for the Buhari administration and applauded their successes in the fight against corruption. He equally told the youth to ignore who colluding with those in government to ensure that the fight does not get root. “Nigerians must take a stand between those who are working diligently to get back our stolen money and those who are poised to scuttle such efforts. “We are witnessing essentially a classical case of state capture in which individuals, including those in high public office, use their position to undermine the state and its policies because of their personal interest. “Unfortunately, some people who supposed to be part of efforts at restitution are colluding with those who have stolen our commonwealth to frustrate the work of those who are genuinely committed in reversing the ugly trend. And as this unholy alliance of corrupt people in and out of government takes root, it is us, the ordinary Nigerians, that are the victims. “Those who have been a stumbling block to the war against corruption clearly do not understand or feel the biting impact of corruption. If they do, they would not put up the kind of resistance we are currently witnessing in the efforts to make a success of the anti-corruption war. “Yes, you may not like someone’s face or even disagree with his strategy but that should never be a reason for you to reject fundamental truths and the good things that such a person is doing. It is also no excuse for you to personalize your duty or responsibility or undermine efforts that are beneficial to us as a country,” said Ribadu. Ribadu emphacised that Corruption is a serious ailment afflicting this nation and the only way to combat it is to face it headlong.