Abuja – The Alumni Association of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (AANI) on Wednesday applauded the Federal Government’s anti-corruption crusade and pledged to support it.
The President of the association, Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Onoja (rtd), gave the commendation when he led the National Executive Council of the institute on a courtesy visit to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in Abuja.
Onoja told State House correspondents after the visit that the association was optimistic that the present administration would turn the economy of the country around.
“We have come to support the government especially in the areas of security, of unemployment and of economy generally.
“Those are the three points that the present administration is focusing on.
“And we have also come to support them on the issues of corruption, the steps they are taking.
“And we have also stated categorically there that we support the Sultan of Sokoto, who is one of us in what he said recently that anybody found guilty of corruption should not only have his property seized, but should also go to jail because that is the only way we can ensure deterrence for corrupt people in this country.
“We cannot live like nothing matters about the country; people cannot go on with corruption.
“We believe and have confidence that the present administration will turn things around for the good and for the better of the country.“
He said the country was in dire need of the institutional framework that would help to prevent graft and public theft, adequate funding for anti-corruption agencies and strengthening the courts to prosecute offenders.
According to him, the association has enough policy research studies that will assist the Federal Government in its anti-corruption crusade.
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The AANI president acknowledged the progress made by the administration in addressing terrorism as well as the international collaboration it has entered into and pledged to partner the government to end insurgency.
He also said the creation of the Single Treasury Account (STA) for all federal revenues would ensure greater probity, transparency, and accountability.
He urged the Federal Government to consider the recent call by the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative for the recovery of about N1.4 trillion from oil and gas companies operating in the country and make it a major priority of its economic policy. (NAN)