A United States-based Nigerian Professor and Forensic Expert, Mannixs Paul has extolled President Bola Tinubu on the measures taken towards curbing corruption in the country.
Paul, a Global Chairman of the Chartered Examiners of Criminology and Forensic Investigations Incorporation, gave this commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York on Sunday.
He described the suspension of Dr Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, over the alleged transfer of N585 million to a private account, as timely and commendable.
He also appreciated the directive of the President towards reducing official entourage to state and international events by 60 per cent to cut the cost of governance.
“The President should demonstrate conservatism in the current face of scarcity and avoid failed strategies and extravagant governance costs.
“It is essential to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracies that cannot be ignored.
“Consolidating and harmonising unyielding agencies and reducing the number of official tours are critical.
“Suspending the humanitarian minister due to corruption scandals is commendable as it promotes professionalism, discipline, and accountability among political appointees,’’ he said.
Paul added that eliminating corruption in Nigeria is challenging, but noted that it can be achieved with a leader with the political will to implement and enforce an effective leadership style.
The US-based don said this style should hold people accountable and change the narrative of the long-standing societal corruption practices.
“The Tinubu administration has taken some steps in this direction by holding political appointees responsible for corruption and promoting progress and deterrence.
“To bring significant changes and eliminate corruption from society, Tinubu should provide equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their tribal or political affiliations.
“Identifying individuals with a shared vision to facilitate progress, offer employment opportunities, address the changing business climate, attract foreign investors, and fighting corruption is crucial.
“Leaders must lead by example to combat corruption effectively. Political appointees and civil servants should be separated, and both groups should act as watchdogs to each other,” he said,
Paul noted that Nigeria had been struggling with fraud and corrupt practices, saying he was optimistic that the nation had the potential to overcome these issues if it acknowledged the problems and committed to decisive actions.
He urged the government and its people to collaborate to create a better future for the country.
“It’s time for Nigeria to face this challenge with determination and a collective effort to build a society based on integrity and justice.
“With hard work and perseverance, Nigeria can overcome this obstacle and pave the way for a brighter future.
“The chronic scandals involving abuse of public trust demonstrate the low level of employability and current inherent values in Nigerian society.
“The long acceptance and practice of corruption have led to synchronised corruption that has given birth to organised crime, affecting the nation,” he said
The forensic expert added that leaders must understand that corruption is a severe problem that requires urgent attention and that affects the economy, social fabric and political stability of countries.
He called on leaders to address the root causes of corruption and create a conducive working environment to tackle the menace.
Paul added that the leaders must also have the political will to combat corruption and focus on prevention rather than fighting it.
He, however, said government and organisational leaders should come together to consider the best options, seeing to the complex issue of the root cause and provide solutions.
He listed some of the root causes of corruption as lack of transparency, weak institutions, low wages, political patronage, inadequate education and poverty.
NAN
