ANTI-CORRUPTION CRUSADERS DEMAND WHISTLEBLOWERS PROTECTION LAW

REPORTER: ALFRED AJAYI

Some anti-corruption campaigners have called on President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly and others to expedite work towards ensuring the passage of the bill seeking to protect whistleblowers in the country.

They say such a law will help to safeguard whistleblowers, who are partners with the government in its fight against corruption, especially in the public space.

The campaigners made the demand in Awka, Anambra State capital, during a review meeting organized by the African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL) for community-based organizations.

The event had the theme “Sharing Impact by CBOs on the Promotion of Whistleblowing policy in Anambra State.”

Addressing participants at the event, the Acting Director, and Focal Person, Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, in Anambra State, Mrs. Chioma Ezechukwu, stressed that the current administration in the state was thrilled about the goal of the project, which is to ensure accountability and transparency in governance.

Mrs. Ezechukwu represented the State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake at the event.

“Mr Governor, Profession Chukwuma Soludo rates transparency and accountability above all other things. So, what you are doing here is pleasing to him.

“The state would encourage all of the organizations involved in all possible ways.

“The war against insecurity in the state is being won through the intelligence information provided by citizens and government treats their tip-offs with utmost confidentiality.

“So, you are assured of your protection. Just help government to win the war against corruption,” she pleaded.

In a remark, the Coordinator, AFRICMIL, Dr. Chido Onumah, represented by Senior Programme Officer, Ms Nkechi Ugwu, noted that the Federal Executive Council in December 2022 approved the bill, which AFRICMIL is now working with partners to ensure becomes a law as soon as possible.

“As you all are aware, protection of whistleblowers is crucial to the success of whistleblowing policy implementation.

“Unfortunately, there’s no law yet to back the policy. But we’re no longer where we were when we came here for the town hall meeting last year,” she remarked.

Anambra State Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Independent Corruption Practices Commission (ICPC), Mr. Godwin Oche, represented by officer in charge of Public Enlightenment and Education, Inalegwu Shaibu, said the Commission through the deployment of the whistle blowing tool, had recovered cash and property.

These included vehicles, farm lands, buildings, schools and hotels.

“ICPC had been offering protection to some of the whistle-blowers who have come under attacks from the people and agencies that were indicted.

“The ubiquitous litanies of woes of corruption on our moral, socio-economic and national development is very alarming.

“It therefore requires joint efforts of state and non-state actors to reduce corruption in Nigeria to the barest minimum and birth a country of our dream,” he said.

The Chairman, Civil Society Network in Anambra State, Prince Chris Azor, earlier described corruption as “misappropriation of our commonwealth,” which citizens, regardless of cultural political and religious differences, must pull resources to war against.

“We’re proud to note that Community Based Organizations have been monitoring projects at their localities and these steps have been yielding dividends.

“We are still far from the destination. So, as you go back, keep the flag flying and pay attention to your personal safety,” he advised the community-based monitors.

Participants unanimously submitted that having a law protecting whistleblowers would give a huge impetus to the whistle-blowing policy in the country.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU