Posted by Justice Osai Ahiakwo, a well-known attorney, has praised the Federal Government for combating official corruption.
In a statement issued in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, Ahiakwo said that the ongoing investigations into the misappropriation of public funds by former ministers of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, Sadiya Umar-Farouk and her suspended successor, Betta Edu, will greatly improve Nigeria’s standing in the international rankings for the fight against corruption.
“If these accusations are not looked into, the negative fallout will have disastrous effects on Nigeria’s federal government and people as the country’s standing in the international anti-corruption index will skyrocket.
Therefore, he stated, “I believe that strong oversight mechanisms, strict regulations, and effective enforcement measures are essential to combat financial crime within government.”
He declared that openness, responsibility, and moral leadership are essential to protecting public monies and maintaining the legitimacy of governmental institutions.
He went on to say that data analytics and technology can help detect and prevent financial crimes by making it easier for authorities to spot suspicious activity and respond quickly.
Legal expert: To combat financial crime in government, legislators, regulators, law enforcement agencies (such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC), police, and other security agencies—including the general public—must work together.
According to Ahiakwo, cultivating a culture of honesty, diligence, and moral behavior can reduce the likelihood of financial crime and sustain their obligation to act in the public good.