Transoarency International, TI, weekend advised the National Assembly to pass anti- graft bills as soon as possible to enhance transparency in government affairs.
Chairman of the global anti-corruption coalition, Delia Ferreira Rubio, made the appeal during a working visit to the Chairman of House Committee on Financial Crimes, Kayode Oladele.
Rubio, in a short speech, said Nigeria was an important country in Africa, especially in the fight against corruption, hence it is important to set the tone by visiting Nigeria first.
According to her, she was aware that the committee and, by extension, the National Assembly, had been able to pass some legislations to fight corruption, but that there was need to do more to ensure a corruption-free system.
Her words: “The activity of the committee is central for providing a framework for the fight against corruption.
“Transparency International contacts and other structures are willing to assist the country to achieve its anti-corruption objectives.
“There are other laws regarding stolen assets and beneficial ownership, which are crucial in the fight against corruption, and we hope you will pass those laws very soon. The things you are doing in the right way will set the tone for others in the region.”
Rubio came in company of the Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, Auwal Musa, and the African Regional Adviser, Transparency International, Samuel Kalinda.
Responding, Oladele said the National Assembly had done a lot because of its commitment to fighting corruption.
According to him, “we know that you have to institutionalise the fight against corruption. It is not a question of lack of political will.
“If the President has the political will, what if another President that comes does not have the political will?”
Comments