Anti-Corruption features we should advocate for – Felix Dav, Benue State BACN Coordinator

Mr. Dav said, “I think we should look at these and see the possible angles where transformation is possible, considering present Laws, then draw out a possible blueprint that can be presented to the FG or necessary bodies for perusal. These features of our anti-corruption struggle will surely point us in a FUTURISTIC direction as concerns establishing viable criteria for detecting leakages and reforming loopholes where sabotage and leakages can be addressed.”

The Benue State Coordinator for the Ontario, Canada-based Battles Against Corruption in Nigeria (BACN), Mr. Felix Terungwa Dav, has cleared the air on the features the anti-corruption Nigerians must advocate for should have.

Mr. Dav made this known in a message to The DEFENDER on Friday.

Noting that there still exist within the system, elements which still sabotage the anti-corruption drive of the Muhammadu Buhari administration, the anti-corruption crusader said all hands must be on deck in ensuring that the government succeeds.

He said, “There are certain elements of administration, bureaucracy and governance that FEED CORRUPTION which we have to also make conscientious efforts to change or transform. This will make our efforts at stopping corruption, permanent,” he said.

Listing the elements, Felix Dav, who is currently working with President of the anti-corruption organization, Mr. Waheed Seriki, who is presently in Nigeria for the facilitation of anti-corruption crusade against elements in the country working against re-election of President Buhari, said, “Some of these that need to be enforced are: 1)  FULL TRANSPARENCY IN LOCAL GOVT, STATE AND FEDERAL SALARY PAYMENTS. This is necessary so as to make each state wage-bill public. This then means deception of the public using false wage-bill will be known. We can only imagine the good this will cause in the public sector. What this entails is that approved platforms like ours will have UNHINDERED ACCESS to ALL TRANSACTIONS THAT INVOLVE WORKERS WAGES and we’ll have permission to share such.

“2) Local Government Autonomy. 3) Implementation of FULL AUTONOMY for Houses of Assembly. This will ensure a total removal of “THE STATE SUBSERVIENCE CHARACTER” which renders them so ineffective and also subject to the whims of any Arrogant Governor. This will automatically stamp a FEDERAL CHARACTER on these H.O.As thus totally removing/eliminating State High Court antics (that are mostly usually anchored by the respective state Governors).

“4) THE GREATEST OF ALL. CENTRALIZATION OF WAGES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, STATES AND FG WORKERS IN THE CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA OR A JOINT PANEL OF SALARIES/WAGES that will comprise of State and FG ministries of finance and LG HODs of finance as well as respective and concerned NLC Chapters such as Local Govt Chapters of the NLC for Local Govt Salaries and State NLC Chapters for State Salaries. A research in this aspect will generate full information on the possibilities we should look at but I am sure treating the BVN as a SOCIAL WELFARE NUMBER, or SOCIAL SECURITY ID will help anchor this salary project,” he listed.

Mr. Dav said, “I think we should look at these and see the possible angles where transformation is possible, considering present Laws, then draw out a possible blueprint that can be presented to the FG or necessary bodies for perusal.

“These features of our anti-corruption struggle will surely point us in a FUTURISTIC direction as concerns establishing viable criteria for detecting leakages and reforming loopholes where sabotage and leakages can be addressed.”