ActionAid faults Buhari’s anti-graft war, urges strategic approach

The anti-corruption crusade of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration yesterday came under the scrutiny of ActionAid Nigeria, which described it as “sweeping in the rain.”

In a state of the nation report during its 38th meeting in Abuja, the body stated that many Nigerians still have corrupt mentality.

It maintained that graft has eaten too deep into the national social fabrics to the extent that it had been subtly taken as a norm in many quarters, thus posing a serious threat to public service delivery.

For government to fulfill its campaign promises to Nigerians, ActionAid urged growth of revenue streams for investment in critical infrastructure and other development projects to stimulate the economy.

A statement by its board of directors stressed the need for a more strategic approach to the anti-corruption fight.

The directors called for strengthening of public institutions for effectiveness and efficiency in service delivery as well as sound and independent interpretation and implementation of public policy objectives in the country.

They said: “The rising posture of President Muhammadu Buhari in the campaign against corruption is commendable. However, the anti-graft fight is like sweeping in the rain. Not many Nigerians still have corruption-averse mentality. The crusade should go beyond the focus on politicians and beam its light on public servants.”

The organisation also cautioned government against increasing Value Added Tax (VAT), saying before any such contemplation, it must put in place measures to ensure the realisation of the objectives such as provision of relevant technologies for proper monitoring, collection and elimination of leakages.

It urged that the increase should be varied relative to the kind of goods and services being purchased.

The key stakeholders in the Nigeria project pointed out that the conduct of this year’s general elections was indicative that the Electoral Act and related laws needed total review before next exercise in 2023.

They canvassed better investment in education and tackling of the nation’s housing, power, sanitaitation and health problems to make the country livable.