Civil Servants aid politicians in perpetuating corruption – SERAP, says public advocacy the pathway to victory

SERAP Deputy Director Highlights Challenges and Importance of Fighting Corruption in Nigeria

In a recent interview with The Standard Gazette, Mr. Kolawole Oluwadare, the Deputy Director of the non-governmental organization (NGO) Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), shed light on the challenges and importance of combating corruption in Nigeria.

The discussion centred on the collaboration between civil servants and politicians in corrupt practices, the disregard for court orders by the government, and how SERAP continues to pursue its mission legally.

During the interview held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, Mr. Oluwadare emphasized the need to address the pervasive issue of corruption, which hampers good governance and undermines the democratic process in Nigeria. He stated, “Fighting corruption is crucial for the development and progress of our nation. It is essential to hold public officials accountable and promote transparency and accountability in governance.”

One of the key points highlighted by Mr. Oluwadare was the disturbing collaboration between civil servants and politicians in perpetuating corrupt practices. He pointed out that this collaboration undermines the effective functioning of public institutions and erodes public trust. “Corruption flourishes when civil servants and politicians engage in illicit practices together. It is a shared responsibility to break this cycle and ensure that those involved in corrupt acts are brought to justice,” he emphasized.

Another pressing concern raised by Mr. Oluwadare was the frequent disregard for court orders by the government. He emphasized that such actions erode the rule of law and weaken the foundations of democracy. “When court orders are disregarded, it sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the judiciary’s independence. The government must adhere to the decisions of the courts and respect the separation of powers,” he stated.

Despite these challenges, Mr. Oluwadare highlighted how SERAP has remained committed to fighting corruption through legal means. The organization’s advocacy efforts focus on promoting good governance, public participation, and transparency. Mr. Oluwadare expressed SERAP’s determination to hold public officials accountable and ensure that corrupt practices are exposed and addressed.

“We work within the legal framework to challenge corruption and seek redress for victims. Our goal is to create an environment that discourages corruption and encourages integrity in public service,” he explained.

SERAP’s mission aligns with the broader global efforts to combat corruption and promote good governance. The fight against corruption is essential for sustainable development, attracting investments, and improving the welfare of citizens. It requires collaborative efforts from civil society organizations, the government, and citizens to establish a culture of transparency and accountability.

As Nigeria moves forward, addressing the challenges highlighted by Mr. Oluwadare and organizations like SERAP will be vital in ensuring a corruption-free society. Upholding the rule of law, prosecuting corrupt individuals, and strengthening institutions will foster an environment that promotes good governance, transparency, and sustainable development for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Link to the interview: https://youtu.be/v2-YdagKcB8

©Standard Gazette, 2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s publisher is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Standard Gazette with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.