COMMUNIQUE

ZCC ZONAL CONSULTATION ON THE DRAFT NATIONAL ANTI-CORRUPTION STRATEGY FOR THE SOUTH-SOUTH ZONE, HELD IN CALABAR, CROSS-RIVER STATE, ON AUGUST 17, 2012.

COMMUNIQUE

Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC) with the support of the UNDP organised a Zonal Consultation on the Draft National Anti Corruption Strategy for the South-South Zone in Calabar, Cross-River State on August 17, 2012. The consultation was aimed to promote a broader Civil Society buy-in of the draft National Anti Corruption Strategy. The consultative meeting was convened to provide a forum for civil society groups in the South-south Zone to consider and debate the federal government’s Draft National Anti Corruption Strategy document with a view to determining the extent to which it reflects the views of Nigerians, how adequate and effective it is in combating and uprooting corruption in Nigeria, and making input- not just to the anti corruption strategy, but on how to comprehensively and effectively tackle corruption in Nigeria.

Participants were drawn from various CSOs such as; Faith Based Organisation, Community Based Organisations, Youth and Women focused NGO, Professional bodies etc. There were presentations, group work and general discussion of issues raised.

Issues Identified

Participants identified a number of key issues reflecting the various dimensions and manifestations of corruption in the zone and the country as a whole. These include:

1.     Lack of inclusiveness in the Budget Process in most States of the South-South; poor or lack of full implementation of budgets which hamper social and infrastructural development including the provision of health, education and housing;

2.     Corruption in procurement, tenders and biddings process;

3.     Bribe taking and corruption by security agencies in order to pervert justice, with particular reference to the case of David Ugolo who was arrested and has remained in police detention without trial for close to one month in connection with the murder of Olaitan Oyerinde, the Private Secretary to the Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomole;

4.     Mismanagement of excess crude oil funds by the federal and state governments which denies the communities the benefits which these allocations are meant to provide for them; funds are not used for projects that benefit the communities;

5.     The continuing role of security agencies in Oil Theft in the Niger Delta;

6.     Poor Infrastructural Development, with particular focus on the appalling state of our roads, which leads to loss of lives and property and economic waste.

7.     Subversion of the democratic system of local governments and interference by state governors in the administration of the local governments and the management of resources meant for community development.

Observations

Participants observed that:

1.     Civil Society is given a very peripheral role in the draft Anti Corruption Strategy;

2.     There is increasing level of poverty and underdevelopment arising directly from corruption by public officials at all levels;

3.     Lack of full implementation of State and Local Government Budgets and mismanagement of local government funds by State Governors impact most negatively on rural/grassroots dwellers

4.     The collaboration between Oil thieves and security agents constitute a threat to the security of lives and property of members of the communities, contributes to environmental pollution and degradation and undue communal tension and outbreaks of violence. It also leads to loss of revenue by the state.

5.     The lack of synergy among security agencies prevent intelligence sharing, and hamper effectiveness in investigation and prosecution and corrode public trust and confidence.

6.     That there is general apathy and lack of awareness of budget and governance processes

Resolutions

Participants resolved that:

1.     There is need to put Civil Society Organisations at the centre of the entire anti corruption framework since they are critical in monitoring corruption and corrupt officials;

2.     It is more cost effective to prevent corruption and would therefore, join hands to build a social movement to undertake necessary actions to tackle corruption.

3.     -There is need for vigorous and sustained community sensitisation, policy advocacy and monitoring of budgets and governance in general;

4.     There is need for full autonomy for Local Governments;

5.     There is need for CSOs to enhance the capacities of their members for monitoring and advocacy.

6.     CSOs should partner with each other in order to strengthen each other, as well as partner with relevant government agencies to deepen the fight against corruption.

7.     Businesses should demonstrate appropriate corporate social responsibility to their communities by contributing to the development of their communities.

8.     Governments at all levels should demonstrate political will, enact due process and enforce anti graft laws; government should also generate proper policy and accountability frameworks around the issues to enhance monitoring and evaluation. Government must bring to account all those so far indicted for corruption by various probe panels.

Finally, participants called on the Inspector General of Police to respect the order of a Benin High Court and release without further delay David Ugolor. The continued detention of David Ugolor will not only amount to lawlessness by an agency set up and regulated the law and charged to enforce the law, but will be a further flagrant and unjustifiable violation of his fundamental human rights.

Participants underscored the need for Human rights education for security personnel, the strengthening of oversight agencies and the need to take issues of discipline and accountability very seriously.

Signed

Babatunde Oluajo                                       Comrade Edem Edem

ZCC National Secretary                    ZCC South-South Zonal Coordinator