…MONILOLA UDOH: Corruption will not be allowed to destroy good efforts of FG
By Dele Ogbodo
Without pointing accusing fingers at any individual or institution, the Federal Government through the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mrs. Monilola Udoh on Tuesday, lamented that corruption is a great source of poverty and other vices even as she said that the cankerworm is presently prevailing in the country.
She however said that Federal Government will not allow corruption to fester to destroy the country.
While underscoring the vibrant fight against corruption by the anti-graft agencies, Udoh, acknowledged that federal government established the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) and Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure that corruption is eradicated in the country.
Udoh, said this at the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) sensitization workshop for staff of the FMSTI in Abuja with the theme: ‘’Achieving Integrity and Zero Tolerance to Corruption in FMSTI’’
The Permanent Secretary, further said that the management of Ministry (FMSTI) is ready to partner with ACTU in carrying out its assignment even as she assured ICPC, EFCC of the Ministry’s commitment in the fight against corruption by instilling accountability and transparency in civil and public services.
Udoh, said: “Lack of transparency and accountability in our daily operations promotes corruption which has continued to retard socio-economic growth and good governance in the country.”
According to her, the law enforcement agencies need to be supported and encouraged in order to eliminate corruption in the country.
‘’We need to promote and sponsor more programs and activities that empower our institutions to achieve their mandates.”
Earlier, the Chairman of ACTU of the Ministry, Mrs. Stella Igwilo, reiterated that the fight against corruption is a collective responsibility of all staff of the ministry and therefore appealed for a sincere commitment.
Speaking, the Director Public Enlightenment and Education Department, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) Abuja, Mohammed Ashiru Bobafa, during his paper presentation titled ‘’Overview of the ICPC National Ethics and Integrity Policy’’, stated that the fight against corruption can be won, if we adhere strictly to the public service seven core values of ethics and integrity which include human dignity, voice and participation, patriotism, personal responsibility, integrity, national unity and professionalism.
