ICPC seeks partnership with religious leaders

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission on Thursday solicited the support of all patriotic Nigerians, including eminent religious leaders, in its ongoing war against all forms of corruption in the country.
Making the appeal when the Catholic Bishop of Abuja Diocese, His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, paid a courtesy visit to his office, the Chairman of the Commission, Ekpo Nta, noted that religious leaders had a vital role to play in bringing out the best of human values in their followers and by implication, transformation of the society.
Nta said: “Nigerians and indeed world citizens want shining stars that can lead them through the dark nights of ignorance to freedom.
“ICPC seeks continued partnership with our eminent religious leadership in the fight against disruptive corruption, because of its disastrous effects on the well-being of our citizens.
“Today, more than ever, the society needs the Church and we expect that the Church will as usual live up to its role.”
The anti-graft crusader described Onaiyekan as a shining example of Godly virtues and a Man of the People “who can seat and advice the President of Nigeria today in the Villa and the next day is at home in a small orphanage inspiring an orphan to achieve greatness and self-worth.”
In his remarks, Onaiyekan, who commended the leadership of the Commission for its ongoing efforts aimed at instilling discipline and transparency at all levels of governance in the country, said that self-transformation remained the only antidote for moral decadence in the country.
While explaining the nexus between corruption and insecurity, the Catholic cleric pointed out that the present chaotic situation being witnessed in the country was due to corruption and that only self transformation of the people could help in reversing the ugly trend and restore peace back to the country.
Onaiyekan said: “The talk about Boko Haram gave me the opportunity to link insecurity problem with the issue of corruption.
“We cannot expect to have a secure and peaceful nation without good behaviour, honesty, integrity, especially in high places where these are completely neglected.
“You can have a lot of soldiers and mobile police to keep as many people quiet as you can, but as you can see, it will reach a stage where you cannot prevent from exploding.
“Unfortunately, when it explodes, there will be no logic or smartness but to end up in chaotic situation.
“That is why I have been preaching the gospel of transformation, to borrow a leaf from our President.
“The nation cannot be transformed if the citizens did not go through their own transformation.
“Therefore, we do need a moral transformation if the nation must settle down well and be what we claimed we are.”
Onaiyekan charged leaders in the country to live by example as integrity is gradually missing amongst the virtues expected of leaders to exhibit at all times.