- * Sensitizes North Central On Policy Direction.
By David Odama (In Lafia, Nasarawa State)
The Federal government, on Tuesday, expressed worry over the neglect of whistle blowing policy of the present administration which was aimed at reducing the endemic corruption in Nigeria over the years.
The FG said the general public misconception had adverse effect on its operational modalities and implementation
In an address presented at the zonal conference on whistle blower policy for North Central States in Lafia, Nasarawa State, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National planning, Dr Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, observed that soon after the implementation of the policy, the interest of Nigerians began to to nosedive.
According to the minister, the confusion in the minds of Nigerians ranged from citizens' seemingly being unaware of the existence of the policy not to talk of keying into the policy objectives. She added that the workings or operational modalities of the implementation of the policy were generally misunderstood
"There was wide spread enthusiasm on the part of Nigerians as they volunteered numerous actionable information, regrettably, after sometimes interest on implementation of the policy began to nose dive"
The minister noted that it was at this point that the key stakeholders realized that there was apparent confusion in the minds of the public on several issues.
The minister explained that to address the issues, several measures have been taken including sensitizing the citizens on the need for the acceptability and enthronement of the policy on the nation's engagements.
She announced that the sensitization on the implementation of the whistle blower policy in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and way forward taking place in Nasarawa State, is aimed at raising the consciousness of Nigerians on the policy of president Buhari to fight corruption.
On his part, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, while declaring open the the 2-day zonal conference, commended the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning for sustaining the conduct of the Conference on Whistle Blower Policy in the country.
Governor Sule, represented by the State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and economic Planning, said the choice of Nasarawa State is hinged on the commitment of this Administration to entrench the culture of transparency, accountability and fiscal discipline in all Government financial transactions in line with President Muhammadu Buhari's fight against corruption.
"The resolve of Mr. President to the fight against corruption necessitated the initiation of the Whistle Blower Policy which was launched by His Excellency, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
"I must acknowledged that the Whistle Blower Policy has made significant impacts in the entrenchment of strict adherence to the rule of law in doing Government business", governor Sule stated. NNL.
