Worried by the huge anti-corruption gap in the country, the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking Initiative (NACAT) has established a South-South anti-corruption office in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, to boost Nigeria’s fight against financial crimes.

In his opening remarks, the NACAT Initiative South-South Regional Director, Michael Ekpo, said he is filled with so much joy as he is to be saddled with the responsibility of leading the movement against corruption and trafficking in Nigeria.

Identifying corruption as Nigeria’s common enemy, Ekpo disclosed that corruption is the reason behind the country’s failed educational system, adding that it is also the reason behind the country’s failed healthcare system.

“It is the reason our youths roam the streets unemployed, it is the reason why our shared wealth is in the hands of a few, while the rest of the populace live in abject poverty and lack, while some feed off the crumbs that fall off their table.

“This is a fight against corruption, a fight for a better Nigeria, a fight for accountability and transparency, where we make our leaders understand that we placed them in those positions of leadership for the good of all, and so they are accountable and responsible to us, not responsible to themselves, not responsible to their families, and not responsible to any cabal,” Ekpo added.

According to him, NACAT, as an agency, will go all out to bring down the common enemy of the country and implored all well-meaning citizens to join forces with the body to tackle corruption.

HE added, “And to our leaders, I would love to reiterate the words of the US President Donald Trump who said, I read: ‘It is plain to say, if you want freedom, take pride in your country; if you want democracy, hold onto your sovereignty; and if you want peace, love your nation. Wise people always put the good of their own people and their own country first.

“The future does not belong to globalists; the future belongs to patriarchs, the future belongs to sovereign and independent nations, who protect their citizens.”

Recall that a few weeks ago, NACAT had earlier submitted a petition against the former Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel, over N1.5 trillion allegedly mismanaged by him, to the EFCC and ICPC, which has gained a wide call for a probe by netizens of the state.