By Tunde Johnson, Abuja
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has described the report by Transparency International on global corruption, which ranks Nigeria amongst the most corrupt nations on earth, as a wake-up call to the Federal Government.
According to Transparency International, Nigeria ranked 148 out of 180 countries assessed in 2017 on the perception of corruption, the annual Corruption Perception Index, CPI, by Transparency International, TI, states. The index, showed that out of 100 points signalling maximum transparency and no corruption, Nigeria scored 27 points. The results show a slight deterioration in perception of corruption in public administration in Nigeria compared to 2016. In 2016, Nigeria scored 28 points and ranked 136th in the ranking of countries.
A statement signed by Shuaibu Usman Leman, National Secretary, NUJ, said the union is more worried that the report noted that while the rest of the world has improved in the perception on corruption, Nigeria deteriorates further down as the fight against corruption is being either ignored or stalled.
The statement reads in part: ‘’The Nigeria Union of Journalists view with grave concern the report released recently by Transparency International on global corruption which ranks Nigeria amongst the most corrupt nations on earth. This is in spite of Federal Government’s claim to fighting corruption with every seriousness and in all ramifications.
‘’We are more worried that the report noted that while the rest of the world has improved in the perception on corruption, Nigeria deteriorates further down as the fight against corruption is being either ignored or stalled.’’
It lamented that no doubt Nigeria has made remarkable progress in the fight against corruption since the Buhari administration came on board considering where the country was coming from and headed before May 29, 2015, but the government needs to do more by especially beaming the searchlight within itself and the ruling All Progressives Congress party. There should be no sacred cow.
‘’The President Muhammad Bahari Government which prides itself on its anti corruption stance would be judged largely by Nigerians by its performance in this regard at the end of its tenure, hence the need to intensify the anti corruption war. The Transparency International report is a wake-up call,’’ the statement added.
