A non Governmental Organization, Network Against Corruption And Trafficking (NACAT), has opined that Nigeria and the world over will enjoy peace and stability, when leaders are being held accountable for their actions.
Mr. Michael Ekpo, the South -South coordinator of NACAT aired the opinion during a press conference to mark the grand opening of the south-south zonal office of the organization in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State at the weekend.
He said the organization intends to monitor the expenditure of local government funds in the south-south region, with the passage of LG autonomy bill and so much funds going directly to LGAs.
Responding to widespread insinuations on the recent petition against Udom Emmanuel, Ekpo said that NACAT’s anti-corruption fight in Akwa Ibom state was not limited to the immediate past administration of Udom Emmanuel, saying that it will investigate past and present administrations in the state.
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He said, “No we are not sponsored. NACAT has been on ground. NACAT has investigated Okowa in Delta state. The same way NACAT wrote a petition against Udom to the EFCC is the same way it wrote against Okowa.
“I have heard insinuations and accusations that the Senate President Godswill Akpabio is behind our petition against ex-gov Udom. It is not true because NACAT will investigate present and past administrations in the state including that of Akpabio.
“NACAT has achieved a lot over the years in it’s fight against corruption but it is the petition against Udom that has made the organization popular in Akwa Ibom state. There is much to be done that is why an office has set up in the state to oversee the Southsouth region.
“Federal government is going to be paying monies directly to local governments and you can imagine what they will be doing with our money. Most of the local government chairmen will leave after four years and they won’t have anything to show for the billions that will be paid into their accounts.
“That is why we have to sit down and strategise how we are going to be watchdogs. This is the right time for us to work for our people. NACAT is not sponsored by any politician. We are working for the people”.
According to him, the organisation aims to promote transparency and accountability amongst government, corporate bodies, and individuals through media advocacy, fieldwork, and legal action.
“The anti-corruption agency seeks to combat corruption, drug and human trafficking in Nigeria, Africa and the global space”. Ekpo stated.
He explained that as a non-governmental organisation, NACAT Initiative is committed to eradicating corruption, which he believes is the root cause of Nigeria’s failed systems, unemployment, and poverty.
“As Nigerians, we have a common enemy, corruption. It is the reason behind our failed educational and healthcare systems, our unemployed youths, and the vast wealth disparity,” he said.
Ekpo urged collaborative efforts from the media, other organizations and patriotic citizens to curb corruption and ensure that leaders are held accountable and transparent in their representation, while assuring to partner with appropriate authorities, human rights actors and other stakeholders in combating human trafficking in the country.
He expressed optimism that the organisation will make corrupt leaders uncomfortable and make them to work for the common good and a more prosperous and corruption free Nigeria.
Recall that NACAT had earlier submitted a petition against the immediate past governor of 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 citizens of the state and Nigeria.
