Corruption destroys trust in public institutions, leading to widespread disillusionment and a weakened social contract between the government and the governed.”
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has decried the devastating effect of corruption on national development, saying it has drained vital resources that could otherwise be invested in infrastructure, job creation, education and healthcare.
He, therefore, called for a unified approach in the battle against corruption in order to stop its negative impact on Nigeria’s development.
The Speaker made this known in a speech delivered by the Deputy Minority Whip of the House during the International Anti-Corruption Day event organised by the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, on Monday, December 9, 2024, in Abuja.
Abass decried the billions of dollars lost annually to corrupt practices, while warning that this systemic corruption deprives communities of essential services and perpetuates poverty and inequality.
He also pointed out the broader social implications of corruption, noting how it erodes the social fabric by deepening inequities and further marginalizing vulnerable groups.
“Equally troubling is how corruption destroys trust in public institutions, leading to widespread disillusionment and a weakened social contract between the government and the governed,” he stated..
He urged leaders and policymakers to confront the challenge with unwavering resolve and creative solutions.
Going further, he stated that parliaments, as the heart of representative democracy, play a pivotal role in the fight against corruption through enacting laws, rigorous oversight of public institutions, and holding the executive accountable and ensuring that governance is conducted with transparency and in the best interest of citizens.
Abbas noted that the current House of Representatives has prioritised anti-corruption in its legislative agenda, reflecting its unwavering commitment to addressing the issue comprehensively, while also reviewing existing anti-corruption laws to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and close any legal loopholes enabling corrupt practices.
He disclosed that the House is currently working to amend the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Act to enhance its capacity to effectively investigate and prosecute corruption cases, while also advancing the Whistleblower Protection Bill to encourage individuals to expose corrupt practices without fear of reprisal.
He challenged civil society organisations to continue to play their vital role in advocating for transparency and monitoring government activities, while partnerships with international bodies can enhance our capacity to tackle cross-border corruption and recover stolen assets.
“Corruption is not just a governance issue; it is a moral imperative that tests our institutions’ integrity and our leaders’ commitment. As parliamentarians, we must lead by example, ensuring our actions reflect the highest standards of probity and dedication to public service. The task before us is enormous, but so is our determination to overcome it,” he added.