Yemisi Izuora
The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, has advocated zero tolerance for corruption in all the arms of the Corporation.
Dr. Baru who commented on a mail-broadcast message sent to the staff of the Corporation by the NNPC Anti-Corruption Committee as part of activities marking the World Anti-Corruption Day, said he was in support of any idea that could lead to a corruption-free NNPC.
“The NNPC’s message on World Anti-Corruption Day celebration is brilliant and I am fully on board,” Dr. Baru stated.
In his remarks, the Chairman, NNPC Anti-Corruption Committee, Mr. Mike Balami, disclosed that corruption was a menace capable of undermining social and economic development in all societies, stressing that no country, region or community was immune to its peril.
He stated that NNPC management considered its workforce as veritable tools in the fight against corruption, adding that the war against corruption would be won with all staff on board.
“As staff of NNPC, you are expected to see something, say something, and do something, so that together we can grow our Corporation to the highest level of ethical consciousness,” Mr. Balami stated.
He said corruption was a global concern as it fuels instability and poverty as well as serves as a dominant factor driving fragile countries towards state failure.
For these reasons, according to Mr. Balami, governments, private sector, non-governmental organizations, the media and citizens around the world were joining forces in the fight against the scourge.
He enjoined staff and all well-meaning Nigerians to support the efforts of the Federal Government and the UNDP to rid the hydra-headed evil threating the progress of the nation and the global community at large.
He said corruption could be fought through creative activities such as tweeting anti-corruption messages to raise awareness and refusal to participate in any illegal and opaque activities amongst others.
The World Anti-Corruption Day is celebrated every year on the 9th of December, to raise public awareness about the evils of corruption and its effect on societies.
The theme of this year’s celebration is: “United Against Corruption for Development, Peace and Security”.