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Centre, UNNMC sensitise councilors on accountability

By Agency Reporter

Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Studies, Bayero University Kano (BUK) in collaboration with University of Nigeria Nsukka Muslim Community (UNNMC) on Monday sensitised newly inaugurated councilors in Enugu North senatorial district on the need to be accountable as elected councilors.

In a remark, in Nsukka, Dr Mausu Saddiq, Director, UNNMC Anti-corruption Project, said the seminar was to sensitise new councilors to be accountable, transparent as well as fight corruption as elected representatives of the people.

" This seminar is sensitise you  on how to be accountable, transparent and fight corruption in the discharge of your duties.

"Do your best to fulfil the campaign promises you made to your people and honestly give to them whatever government gives you as councilor to give your people.

"Say no to corruption in the discharge of your duties," he said.

Saddiq who was represented by
Mr Salawa Sikiru, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of the project said  that, for the country to take its rightful position in the world all hands must be on deck to promote accountability, transparency and anti-corruption.

"We know corruption can not be eradicated  completely but it can be reduced to barest minium," he said.

Speaking, Alhaji Abdullahi Anyachonkeya the Admin Secretary UNNMC and Accounting Officer of the project said that, the collaboration of UNNMC with Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Studies started in 2018 and the aim was to ensure elected officers  promote accountability, transparency and fight corruption in performing their functions.

"It's unfortunate that corruption is increasing on daily basis and if  we all fold our arms this cankerworm will continue to eat deep into the fabric of our country.

"There's is urgent need to sensitise Nigerians especially our elected leaders on how to fight corruption before this ill-wind destroys this country,'' he said.

The  Secretary said that, for people who elected councilors to enjoy good governance and dividends of democracy they councilors must be accountable and transperant.

"For you as councilor to leave good legacies that generation yet unborn will  remember,  you must  say no to all forms of corruptions.

"As a councilor, ensure at all time  to be politically, morally  financially and matrimonially  accountable these will enhance your respect and integrity as representative of the people," he said.

He urged them to avoid everything that would mar their future and bring shame to their families  wards and local government areas.

"Try to do the right thing at the right time by saying no to all forms of corruptions no matter whose 'Ox' is gored.

" Remember if you perform very well as councilor it will open more opportunities in future for you to serve your people and the country in greater capacity, "he said

Anyachonkeya  also urged them to remember God in all they do knowing very well that one day they would stand before their creator to give account of their stewardship.

"In whatever you do in the discharge of your duties respect and fear God, because one day you will stand before him to give account of your stewardship," he said.

The Accounting Officer said that, UNNMC Anti-corruption Project is funded by the John D and  Catherine T MacArthur Foundation.

Also speaking, Rev Gabriel Imeri, Senior Pastor in City-Takers International Bible Mission Nsukka, said to move the country forward elected and appointed people in federal, state and local governments must be accountable to the people who elected them.

Imeri who is also Assistant Registra, Registry Department, University of Nigeria Nsukka alleged that many Anti-corruption agencies and commissions created by Federal Government to fight and rid the country of corruption had not done enough.

"We have Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practice and other Related Commission (ICPC) and Code of Conduct Bueaur, to me these organisations have not done enough to rid the country of corruptions.

"Government should put more measures in place, to strengthen these organisations to enable them to fight corruption to standstill and restore the country to the enviable standard of respect and dignity within the comity of nations,'' he said.

He urged councilors to shun all forms of corruptions as they carry out their duties as lawmakers of their various LGs in Enugu North senatorial district.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 20 councilors from the district attended the seminar.

Speaking with NAN, Mr Jude Omeje, the Leader of Nsukka Local Government Legislative Council thanked the organisers of the programme for the sensitisation.

"What I have learned today would help me to promote accountability, transparency as well as fight corruption as the leader of the legislative council," he said.
(NAN)