DESMOND ANYANWU
International Anti-corruption Day is a day set aside to raise awareness on the effects of corruption, which hinders development, and the need for a collective action in the society.
Speaking on the impact of corruption on the nation’s development, some residents of Port Harcourt the rivers state capital, called on government at all levels to make and enforce robust anti-corruption laws as part of efforts to eradicate corruption in the country.
It was in October, 2003, the United Nations General Assembly passed the United Nations Convention against Corruption.
The treaty was signed by the UN member states.
This was the first step taken by the body to combat corruption in the society.
The day is celebrated globally by governments, civil societies, businesses and individuals.
Speaking on the day, the Head of Economics Department, University of Port Harcourt, Dr. Peter Meede, said, corruption has led to the decay of various sectors of the nation’s economy.
He urged Nigerians to stand up and say no to corruption.
Coalitions of civil society organizations used the occasion to call on relevant agencies to ensure that corrupt officials face the consequences of their actions.
The group made the call at a rally organized by the Economic and Financial crimes Commission, EFCC; as part of activities to mark the International Anti-corruption day celebration.
Addressing the audience in Port Harcourt, the Assistant zonal commander, EFCC, Mr. Ahmed Ghali, who addressed the crowd on the need to shun corruption and support the anti-graft war, said the anti-corruption walk was to encourage Nigerians to collectively defeat corruption.
The Zonal Commander of the anti-graft Agency led the Anti-corruption walk which took off from the EfCC office in Port Harcourt and terminated at the popular mile one market in the state.
International Anti-corruption Day is celebrated every 9th of December to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of corruption on societies.
The theme of this year’s celebration is, “Uniting the world against corruption.”
