Cleric Joins Anti-Graft Crusade

The President of Cross River State Christian Leaders’ Forum, Bishop Jossef Bassey, has called on churches and opinion leaders to join the administration in the fight against corruption in the country.
Bassey made the call in Calabar, while speaking to newsmen on the state of the nation.
He said that the present attempt to wipe out corruption in the country could only succeed if religious groups and leaders of thought would join hands with President Mohammadu Buhari.
“I believe the church and other religious organisations have done a lot in the fight against corruption through their morale teachings and obligations but a lot still need to be done.
“We must engage all well-meaning Nigerians to join in our fight against corruption because if we continue the way we are going, the next generation is finished, ‘’ Bassey said.
He described corruption as creation of character with its root in the family.
According to him, it requires total commitment from every family, schools, religious institutions and the general public to effectively win the war against corruption.
Bassey, who is also the General Overseer of God’s Heritage Church, Calabar, stressed the need for character formations in schools and churches. He expressed doubt that the strengthening of anti-corruption laws in the country could end corruption.
“Rather we must create institutions that can change the character of individuals.
“A situation where parents pay for their children to write examinations in magic schools is corruption.
“A situation where teachers write exams for students for money is corruption. A situation where lecturers collect money from poor students for sorting is nothing but corruption.
“So, the job of fighting corruption is much more than what we are seeing now.
“We must change our orientation as a people, if not our fight against corruption is only a window dressing,’’ Bassey said.
He however urged the present administration to give the needed political will to the anti-corruption agencies in the country to tackle the problem.
He urged Buhari to ensure that his cabinet was made up of people with high integrity and incorruptible characters to serve as a major step to stopping corruption.