Nigeria Loses N400 billion to corruption – Prof Akinyemi

Not less than N400 billion has been lost to corruption since independence to 1999 according to former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi. 

 The former minister gave  the figures while speaking at the 10th anniversary of Arewa Consultative Forum recently.

He chided the country leaders for practising what he called Kle tocracy rather than democracy, noting that the current war on corruption would be futile if polticial leaders continue looting from the public purse.

Also speaking, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed urged the socio-cultural organisation to support the war on corruption.

He added that the anti-corruption crusade would fail if the institutions are not fully empowered to operate.

 The SGF further called on Nigerians to fully support the government to rid the country of corruption, stressing that Nigerians need to show sincerity to make the campaign work.

Echoing Ahmed’s view, chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mrs Farida Waziri has solicited for Arewa’s support to fight corruption.

Mrs Waziri who spoke at the ceremony observed that the country was making strides in its anti-corruption war, but more needs to be done to achieve the desired result.

The Sultan of Sokoto had called for religious tolerance and unity saying the ACF need to continue in the vision of the founding fathers in order to project the interest of its members.