Coalition of Unions Rally in Support of the Fight Against Corruption

Spurred by the need to change the perception of corruption in Nigeria, the Coalition of Unions Against Corruption, on March 21, 2018 held a road walk against corruption in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.

The walk, which was in partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, according to a co-convener of the Union, Mohammed Jabiru, was to reinforce the need for the grassroots to support the fight corruption.

Participants defied the scorching heat, to come out in their numbers to engage in the walk. They displayed banners canvassing for a concerted effort aimed at eradicating corruption, specifically calling on Nigerians to support the EFCC, “for a better future”.

“The effect of corruption of the country, is grave as it is costs us foreign direct investment, because investors weigh the risk of corruption,” Jabiru said.

Jabiru expressed great concerns over the recent ranking of Nigeria by Transparency International, which placed Nigeria on 148 out of 180 countries, stressing that it does not augur well for the image of the country.

“We would have to do something fast to change the perception and that is the reason for the Coalition, our partnership with the EFCC, and this road walk” Jabiru said.

Secretary to the Nasarawa State government, Abdullahi Mohammed, who represented the governor at the event, noted that the state was also committed to the fight against corruption.

"Your rally and demonstration in support of EFCC is in tune with the aspirations, beliefs and policy of the present government," Mohammed said.

He further assured the EFCC of the state government’s support, adding that, “we are in support of what EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies are doing to bring sanity in governance and entire polity in Nigeria”.

Ibrahim Magu, acting EFCC Chairman, who was represented by Wilson Uwujaren, Head, Media and Publicity, assured the participants of the firm and unalloyed commitment of the EFCC to the fight against corruption, particularly under President Muhammadu Buhari.

"The EFCC is solidly behind the Coalition and what it stands for, as well as what it is doing, and we call upon other Nigerians to firmly join the fight against corruption,” he said.

The Coalition, which comprises of unions under the NLC, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, and the National Union of Road Transport Workers, has other co-conveners including Maryam Ibrahim Osuza, its Chairperson; Wilson Bako, National Vice-President, NUJ, Nasarawa State Chapter and Abdullahi Ibrahim Osanga.