Non-inclusion of corruption fight in parties’ manifestoes, bane of Nigeria - Akanbi

Yekini Jimoh, Ilorin - 24.03.2008

THE immediate past chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Justice Mustapha Akanbi, has said that the non-inclusion of the crusade against corruption as part of the manifestoes of the registered political parties in was the bane of the country.

Justice Akanbi, speaking with journalists in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Sunday, urged judges to be more committed to their constitutional duties and steer away from anything that could soil their career.

According to him, “if the campaign against corruption was included in the campaign promises of the parties, the tendency of public office holders indulging in the act would be minimal, thus, enhancing the socio-economic growth of the country.” The former ICPC boss said corruption had become endemic in the society and the only way out was for all to rise against it so as to move the country forward.

“Most of our political parties did not include the fight against corruption in their manifestoes and this has not helped the nation to put a stop to the social evil, especially among the political class,” he noted.

He added that corruption had become a major obstacle to the nation’s development as he urged people to join hands with the anti-graft agencies set up by the government in order to rid the society of corrupt practices.

Justice Akanbi said if crusade against corruption was included in the manifestoes of political parties, once anybody was elected, he or she would think twice before indulging in corrupt practices, knowing that if caught at the end of the day, he or she would not go scot-free.