NLC faults Jonathan’s promise to fight corruption

October 2, 2012 by Fidelis Soriwei, Abuja  

 

President of the NLC, Mr. Abdulwahed Omar
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Nigeria Labour Congress says President Goodluck Jonathan’s vow to wage war against corruption has not yielded results.

The NLC, in a statement  by its President, Mr. Abdulwahed Omar and Acting General Secretary, Mr. Chris Uyot,   alleged that those indicted in the petroleum subsidy fraud had not been prosecuted for the crime because of interference  by powerful interests in government.

The labour leaders also alleged that some of the indicted subsidy thieves by the citizenry had been sighted frolicking with the Presidency, stressing that such a conduct would not promote the fight against graft in the country.

The statement said Labour was monitoring developments.

The statement read in part, “Even when Mr. President continues to express his commitment to anti corruption policies, we do not see the same seriousness reflected in the activities of the administration and the legislature.

“For instance, those listed as having diverted or misappropriated petroleum subsidy funds are yet to face serious prosecution due mainly to undue interference by the powers that be.

“It will be a tragedy, and one that would have serious repercussions from the working people, if government is seen to be protecting those who have been accused of stealing public funds.

“While Nigerians eagerly look forward to their immediate prosecution, some of those listed as subsidy thieves are regularly seen around the corridors of power openly hobnobbing with the Presidency.

“This cannot encourage any serious anti corruption struggle. We caution that workers and the Nigerian people are keenly watching the ongoing melodrama associated with the oil removal scandal.

“The struggle is not yet over, as an attempt to shield these fraudsters and their collaborators will be decisively resisted by the Labour Movement.” The statement read in part.

They stated further that even the ongoing privatization of public corporations seemed to portray a justification for corruption as the process lacked transparency.

They also accused the government of selling the properties of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria to people who should be sanctioned for ruining the economy and impoverishing Nigerians.

NLC urged Nigerians to resist what they described “an attempt to hand over the country to a few private interests.”

They said, “Every step taken by government on the privatisation of public corporations seem directed towards justifying corruption as the process remain obviously exclusive and guided by too many secrecy.

“Looking at the list of those reported to have been sold properties belonging to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, we are convinced that rather than punish those who have been identified to have ruined our economy and shortchanged our people by diverting public resources to their private use, they are being rewarded through privatisation.

SOURCE: The Punch - Nigeria's Most Widely Read Newspaper 2 OCTOBER 2012.