By Obansa Ibrahim, Lokoja
A Human Rights Activist, Idris Abdul Miliki, Executive Director, Conscience for Human Rights And Conflict Resolution, (CHRCR), has commended the Kogi State House of Assembly and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for the passage of the state Anti-graft Agency law.
Miliki gave the commendation in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Lokoja saying, there’s need for a holistic approach towards tackling corruption with all the laws providing the legal backing.
He described Corruption as absence of integrity which he pointed out, has eaten deep into the fabric of the society at both National and sub-national levels.
“It is on this note we commend the Kogi State House of Assembly for the passage and subsequent signing into Law of the Anti-Corruption Bill by the Governor of Kogi State on 20th June, 2024”, he said.
Miliki expressed delight that the advocacy by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for the creation of an Anti-corruption agency or institution in Kogi State was yielding positive fruits.
The Human Rights Activist expressed the hope that the Law that the agency would be established with people of proven integrity and diverse backgrounds as soon as possible to bring their experience to bear.
“Corruption has eaten deep into our society particularly, among public service institutions in Kogi State in the past and is still ravaging Kogi State.
“With the signing of this Law and the subsequent establishment of the agency, we believe there will meaningful positive impact on the struggle against corruption in Kogi State.
“The agency, will now complement the effort of the various Federal institutions fighting corruption at various levels in Nigeria.
He urged Governor Ododo to exhibit political will and diligence in his attitude, body language and utterances in the fight against corruption.
Miliki said the cankerworm had brought on the nation, stunted growth, deprivation of Fundamental Human Rights of citizens including access to basic Healthcare, Infrastructure, Education, Employment and welfare of the citizens generally.
He pledged the cooperation of Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR) as an organization, that has been in the forefront of advocacy and the crusade for fighting corruption in Kogi State for over a decade.
“We shall be willing to partner with the agency when established. We commend the this effort of the governor.
“We call on the governor to put the necessary framework and machinery in place for the proper implementation of this great law in the interest of Justice and development of Kogi State.
“We also call on the citizens and particularly, the public service in the State to take note and leverage on this new initiative to minimize and reduce corruption in Kogi State as the Law is not a respecter of anybody”, he said.